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 AWEUNIVERy//;
 
 GANDALIN,
 
 GANDALIN; 
 
 LOVE FOR LOVE. 
 
 A POEM. 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE G E R 2HA IV 
 
 ^ WIELAND. 
 
 FRANCIS HOPE, ESQ. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 LONGMAN, REES, ORME, AND BROWN; BLACK AND 
 
 ARMSTRONG. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM : W. DEARDEN. 
 
 1838.
 
 W. DEAKDEN, PRINTEK, NOTTINGHAM.
 
 
 l3ttrication* 
 
 A* RiEND of my heart ! at your command 
 Wieland has left his native land : 
 And though he strike the British lyre 
 With feeble hand, and less of fire ; 
 Though not to my rude verse belong 
 The careless graces of his song ; — 
 Though faded glories round him play ; 
 Frown not upon his altered lay. 
 
 846071
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Again of love ! — Is love the theme for ever? 
 
 So let it, for beneath the changing moon 
 
 Nought dwells of power from love my muse to sever. 
 
 For love, and love alone, our highest boon, 
 
 Beneath her sphere and far above is glowing ! 
 
 He breathes and moves throughout eternal space. 
 
 All life and fonn from him are ever flowing. — 
 
 Tell me ye wise ones, where else shall we place 
 
 The harmony through all creation sounding ? 
 
 Tove is the master whose almighty force 
 
 Still urges on, when like tow'rds like is bounding ; 
 
 Not even atoms in the sunbeam's course
 
 Vm INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Without the aid of love. — Art's loftiest powers, 
 The sculptor's chisel, and the poet's lyre. 
 Are soulless save when Love his influence showers. 
 'Twas he alone could Homer's song inspire ; 
 His spirit o'er enamoured Raphael hung. 
 When Galatea's form first from his pencil sprung. 
 Thou too, oh Virtue ! Thou, the loftiest height 
 To which the soul ascends — thy name is Love, 
 The God within us ; — Hush, nor bring to light 
 My lyre, the mysteries of the world above. — 
 How blest are v\*e whose lot is to behold 
 Unveiled the glory hid from vulgar eyes ! 
 Blest, for the sun's rays to our sight unfold 
 The heartfelt joys which with his light arise. 
 We live indeed, and our unburthened hearts 
 Breathe purer air, with free and open breast ; 
 Nature to our cleared eye all truth imparts, 
 With godlike voices our quick ear is blest. 
 And through the night, which all existence shrouds. 
 We hear the whirling wheels that hurry on. —
 
 INTKODUCTION. 
 
 And whether life be cahn, or gathering clouds 
 Pour down the pelting stomi ; our fears are gone : — 
 For as we roll along the wave of time. 
 We swim, or struggle; still with hearts at ease, — 
 No more ! — I pause lest some should scan my rhyme 
 Whose ears untaught — 
 
 Well now then if you please. 
 We will return from whence we lately wandered. 
 Brothers and sisters, with our chin on hand. 
 We gravely ask you, tell us when you've pondered. 
 Do you not all to love indebted stand 
 For the far happiest hours by mortals known ? 
 And if some taint of grief those hours have shewn. 
 Yet be but honest, separate from love. 
 What else has mingled with that fount divine. 
 And I will dare your utmost skill to prove 
 Ought which man would not for his joys resign. 
 
 " True," you exclaim, " and yet 'twixt love and love 
 How vast, how mighty is the separation ! — 
 A 2
 
 X INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Oft SO miscalled when men mere passion prove. 
 Or vanity, — or idle inclination. — 
 The train of vice by which to crime 'tis fired ; 
 The slave of lust, and" — 
 
 Silence there, my friend ; 
 To know this truth one need not be inspired. 
 Corrupted casks to wine their flavor lend. 
 E'en to the purest — yet, in all such cases. 
 The blame each wise man on the vessel places ; 
 And were it poisoned, would no reason shew. 
 Why men in future must the grape forego. — 
 As for the other part of your complaint. 
 Tell me if light and shade, when viewed apart^ 
 Have any thing in common ? — No restraint 
 Can make them one ; not e'en the painter's art. 
 Yet light and shade when mingled, are the source 
 From which the magic of all nature flows ; 
 Through these with richest hue her canvass glows. 
 Unhappy he whose senses dull and coarse 
 Receive no lesson from her charms, no perfume from the rose .
 
 INTRODUCTION. XI 
 
 Hear then my counsel, all ye world-iniprovers, 
 (Plebeian, or though stars your breasts adorn,) 
 Ye of the laws of heav'n would be removers ! — 
 Let things continue as ere you were born. 
 As since from chaos light and order sprung : — 
 And, should not nature meet your approbation. 
 Go search elsewhere — nor with ungoverned tongue 
 Disturb the enchantress in her occupation. 
 Let her fair hands each form in order place. 
 Wed light with shadow, strength or softness lending ; 
 And as her playful fancy bids her trace 
 Her godlike pictures, love and beauty blending, — 
 If your cold hearts may not her truths embrace. 
 Envy not us who joyful gaze and wonder. — 
 Not yours the sense or power from her our hearts to 
 sunder. 
 
 Since love, and love alone, is then the tale 
 Rehearsed in \aried tones throughout all nature ; 
 Since men and angels love rejoicing hail.
 
 XU INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The blissful longing of each living creature ; — 
 
 In short, my worthy friends, since love is love, — 
 
 Why should it not despite some imperfections, 
 
 Dearer to us than wrath and hatred prove ; 
 
 Than envy, stiife, and treacherous defections. 
 
 Deceit, and cunning, flattery, slanders, art. 
 
 Which clothed in smiles can urge the venomed dart ? 
 
 Why should it not in fine be more beloved 
 
 Than all the bad and cruel inclinations. 
 
 By which its haters have pure joy removed. 
 
 And filled earth's paradise with profanations ? 
 
 Leave we the odious squabbles of mankind. 
 
 Deeds whicli the world's disturbers call heroic. 
 
 Where wounds and death their luckless followers find, 
 
 Whilst history recounts their fate en Stoic. 
 
 The youthful hero whom we mean to sing 
 
 Belongs to no such blustering society : 
 
 No man 'gainst him a just complaint can bring. 
 
 Our friend, we pledge ourselves for his propriety. — 
 
 One of those men whose wann and open heart.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Too oft at variance with sober reason. 
 
 Will to their wisest deeds a flaw impart 
 
 By something thoughtless uttered out of season. 
 
 Men who before the chace will start the hare. 
 
 But rest when others are the game pursuing. 
 
 Who for their friends, and not themselves will care ; 
 
 And with the eye of love all nature viewing, 
 
 Too cheaply give their heart and soul away. — 
 
 Who still their own deluding fancy follow ; 
 
 And when the prudent pause, and wise delay. 
 
 Fixed as a rock will trust to what is hollow. 
 
 A hero of this kind we must confess 
 
 Is something novel — ^yet since we have taken 
 
 A fancy to him, you have no redress. 
 
 Nor shall we from his cause by sneers be shaken. 
 
 We'll make him happy, and in bliss secure. 
 
 If lasting bliss to man be ever given : 
 
 Yet pain and son'ow he must first endure. 
 
 And sometimes to despair be almost driven.— 
 
 Joy shall be dearly purchased — that is just. —
 
 xiv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Naji. should another knight whose heart is truer. 
 More honest, upright, brave, deserving trust, 
 Start up and shew our hero's virtues fewer ; 
 We'll straight forsake him, and without regard 
 To old affection, or the accusations 
 Of those who think such wavering conduct hard, 
 We'll leave him to his own deliberations. — 
 Who merits most shall highest honors win. — 
 So now to business. — Let my tale begin. —
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK I.
 
 G A N D A L I N. 
 
 BOOK L 
 
 As ancient chronicles unfold, 
 A maiden lived in days of old. 
 To whose fair face, and full dark eye 
 Each heart submitted with a sigh. — 
 Throughout the world her fame had spread ;- 
 And painters, from all countries led. 
 With brush and palette laid in hand, 
 At every corner took their stand. 
 Lurking 'neath walls, in any place ! — 
 Whether she lounged, or stood, or went, 
 At mass, or vespers, they were bent 
 To catch some evanescent grace. 
 
 B
 
 'i GANDALIN. 
 
 If chance aside her 'kerchief drew. 
 
 Or white arm glanced, or tiny shoe, 
 
 A jubilee was held thereon 
 
 As though all Mexico were won : — 
 
 And, with the charms they gazed on, fired. 
 
 Home they returned, with souls inspired, 
 
 Susanna, Magdalen, to paint. 
 
 Eve, a Madonna, or some saint. — 
 
 Her name was Sonnemon the fair. 
 
 Of Brabant's duke the lovely heir. — 
 
 Full many a knight of gallant mien, 
 
 And squire within her court was seen ; 
 
 And spruce young lords you there might view. 
 
 Of lineage old, and maimers new. 
 
 Who came from fai" the maid to woo ; — 
 
 In jealous strife their passion glowed. 
 
 They loved, they flattered, danced and rode : 
 
 Still near the enchantress thev were seen 
 
 As bees will cluster round their queen. 
 
 From morn to eve thev formed her train,
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 Tried various means her heart to gain — 
 With smiles, with tears, with jests they strove ; 
 Yet small their guerdon of her love. — 
 
 As cats delight with mice to toy, 
 
 The beauty's highest, daily jov 
 
 Was with her slaves to sport. — Abroad, 
 
 In gay attire a brilliant guard 
 
 Of tall and short, in troojis would wend. 
 
 Behind, before, beside, attend. 
 
 At home, — like swanns were ever found 
 
 Buzzing, her chamber all around. 
 
 One sang a ditty made to shew 
 
 His teeth more white than pearly row ;— 
 
 One, as he patted on the head 
 
 Her favourite dog, with dainties fed, 
 
 A third his travels told and lied. 
 
 A fourth his busy lingers plied, 
 
 And from an apple-pippin strove 
 
 To shape a niousekin for his love.
 
 4 GANDALIN. 
 
 A fifth some fi'esh blown flowers would place 
 Her 'broidery with new charms to gi'ace. — 
 Thus flew the sportive hours away ; 
 And when dismissed at closing day. 
 Each for his pains met some return : 
 Tow'rds one her eyes would friendly turn. 
 Another with a smile was blest. 
 All full of joy retired to rest ; 
 And deeming now their port in sight. 
 Of Venus dreamt till morning light. 
 
 But when that morning came, the tide 
 Had borne them from their reckoning wide.- 
 The roseate hours of bliss were gone I 
 No trace remained of pleasures flown. 
 Gloomy the fair her couch had left 
 Of smiles and sparkling wit bereft.— 
 Now nothing suited ; nothing right 
 Was said or done by luckless wight ! 
 No pastime, and no sonnet pleased ! —
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 She had not slept — with megrim seized 
 Her head and stomach felt oppressed — 
 She spm'ned her poodle, late caressed — 
 Her women chid. — With bitter spite 
 Declared her head dress was a fright. 
 Her eyes she said had lost their fire ; — 
 And her best lace stood stiff as wire : 
 Except her temper naught was right. — 
 Was any suitor heard declare 
 With accent faint, " the day was fair " 
 Although the sun shone full in view. 
 His words were straight declax'ed untrue. 
 And if some grave remark he made. 
 How stupid were the things he said ! — 
 If he kept silence, she cried " Hum, 
 Since when my lord liave you been dumb ?" 
 He sighed, — then would she grief revile ; 
 He laughed, — she saw no cause to smile. — 
 In short, should those their torments tell
 
 D GANDALIN. 
 
 Who in a cave with dragons dwell ; 
 
 You'd leani how hot the house was mode^ 
 
 When Sonnemon the tyrant played. — 
 
 And yet it grieves me to relate. 
 
 These good young men ne'er felt that fate 
 
 So closely drew their fetters round. 
 
 As when Medusa-like, she frowned ! 
 
 Her glances ne'er so deeply burned 
 
 As when her nose in scorn upturned ; 
 
 Nor could her lip a kiss invite 
 
 So much as when it curled in spite : 
 
 Nay what all others ill beseemed, 
 
 In her was most enchanting deemed. 
 
 And when the impatient lover's pain 
 
 At times would make him gnaw his chain ; 
 
 To break it when he vainly tried, 
 
 And wished as far from her to ride 
 
 As horse could galloj), earth was wide ; 
 
 A single glance by beauty cast, 
 
 Recalled him ere the threshold past,
 
 (iANDALIN. 
 
 And willing at her feet he fell. 
 Content in chains for aye to dwell. 
 
 Already for a year and day 
 Sir Gandalin in thraldom lay ; 
 A handsome knight as e'er drew sword. 
 Or lady served for love's reward. 
 His eyes were blue, his passion pure. 
 Devoted, tender, modest, sure :— 
 But when the storm of battle raged. 
 No youthful bull more fierce engaged : 
 And yet the promise of a beard 
 So thinly on his chin appeared. 
 That you might him a maiden name 
 In silken robe and bracelets drest ; 
 And not the most experienced dame 
 Coidd at his sex have even guessed. 
 
 Of all for Sonnemon who sighed, 
 None felt so deep the venomed dait :
 
 » GANDALIN. 
 
 The luckless knight had vainly tried 
 
 To chase the serpent fi'om his heart. 
 
 The lady's other suitors found 
 
 Their breasts receive a slighter wound, 
 
 A little scratched or so at worst ; 
 
 But he a deeper passion nursed. 
 
 His was a love through which the youth 
 
 Consumes away in hopeless truth. 
 
 All relish gone for jest and l^lay. 
 
 For sleep by night, or food by day ; 
 
 Through hill and dale for ever driven 
 
 Restless beneath the stany heaven. 
 
 Until with pain and anguish worn. 
 
 Pale, breathless, languid, and forlorn. 
 
 He sinks before his beauteous foe ; 
 
 And hiding in her lap his woe. 
 
 There sighs his last, and thinks how sweet 
 
 For her and near her death to meet ! 
 
 And if by chance his hapless love 
 
 Should at the last her pity move.
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 Should her white amis be round him thrown. 
 How more than blest his parting groan ! 
 This I call love — though rarelv seen. — 
 (In Brabant it had never been. — 
 Our Gandalin's the only case 
 Observed through all the duchy's space,) 
 Some gentle hearts to pity led 
 That love like his no better sped. — 
 
 But Sonnemon, unmoved and cold 
 Could all her lover's pangs behold ! - 
 She, careless of the fretjuent harms 
 Inflicted by her youthful charms. 
 Slept undisturbed by tears and sighs. — 
 Nay, when in winter he would rise. 
 And 'neath her window freeze and play 
 From midnight till the dawn of day. 
 She was not known to condescend 
 Through half closed panes an ear to lend ' 
 He might have filled a pond with tears.
 
 10 
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 And dxiven a windmill witli his sighs, 
 
 Still heedless passed her early years 
 
 Nor felt the mischief of her eyes. — 
 
 In short, such life of endless woe, 
 
 If any wished his deadliest foe, 
 
 I should the man a Nero name. 
 
 Yet Gandalin endured his flame. 
 
 Hoping his love at last might gain 
 
 The right some guerdon to obtain. — 
 
 " The worst," he thought, " that I can meet 
 
 Is but to perish at her feet. — 
 
 And better die at once, than prove 
 
 Through life the curse of hopeless love ; 
 
 And ceaseless from tliose eyes receive 
 
 New torments, with new strength to grieve ! ' 
 
 Thus still in love and courage fast. 
 Our knight a long long year had past. — 
 Her glance dispensing bliss or bane. 
 He hoped, despaired, alike in vain ;
 
 GANDAIIN. 1 1 
 
 This was his comfort's only ground. 
 No other had more favor found. — 
 
 But now had Spring displaced the Winter rude. 
 And by his bland and genial warmth inspired, 
 Nature arose with younger life endued. 
 Her glowing frame with love and rapture fired. 
 Soft airs were breathed, and wanner suns arose, 
 Waking sweet consciousness of life and power. 
 The fulness of existence which o'erflows. 
 And gives new being in that blissful hour. 
 The fields were clad in green, the feathered choir 
 Warbled their music from the leafy boughs ; 
 And all created things, urged by desire, 
 Poured forth their rapturous love in tender vows. 
 Upon the blooming cheeks of flowery May 
 The west wind softly sighed in amorous play : 
 The maiden who as yet had never known 
 Love's gentle power, now wondering felt his dart ;
 
 12 GANDALIN. 
 
 With blushes owned her former quiet flovvn. 
 
 And fondly smiling yielded up her heart. — 
 
 Now (Jandalin, unable to endure 
 
 The anguish long concealed within his breast, 
 
 Fell at his lady's feet with love oppressed, 
 
 And swore by heaven, and by his passion pure. 
 
 For ever there to languish in despair. 
 
 Till with a love like his her bosom burned. — 
 
 But Sonnemon, in haste to leave him turned. 
 
 And in displeasure cried, " This is unfair" — 
 
 Then clasping her fair knee he held her fast. 
 
 And so imploring were his woixls, their tone 
 
 So piteous, that her heart was touched at last ! 
 
 He looked so handsome, low before her thrown. 
 
 That feelings yet unknown her breast assailed. 
 
 Yet li'om his gi"asp she tore herself away ; — 
 
 And with dissembled wrath he heard her say, 
 
 " What means this rude constraint ? Has reason failed 
 
 Who gave you right my quiet to disturb ? 
 
 You swear you love me — love with all my heart.
 
 GANDALIN. 13 
 
 If you cannot the foolish passion ciirh, 
 I care not, so I may in peace depart." — 
 
 Oh Sonnemou I and canst thou this declare ? 
 Thou who may'st coldest hearts with love inspire ! 
 Wilt thou in this sweet season bid despair. 
 When all is feeling, all is wami desire ? 
 No ! fair deceiver, not to thee unknown 
 The mighty power who all thy being fills : — 
 Thy very breath is love,— around thee thrown 
 Love's own enchantments ; and thy lip distils 
 With all his sweetness — Love's bliss dwells with thee. 
 And hatred — that thou feel'st for none but me !" 
 
 " I, " said the lady mocking ! " Do I hate ?" — 
 Then turning up her pretty nose in scorn. 
 Are we for love or hatred only born ? 
 Fair gentleman, I pray you then relate 
 Where it is written we must penance do, 
 Whene'er your pleasure is to feel a flame ? 
 c
 
 14 GANDALIN. 
 
 Why must we suffer and turn fools like you. 
 Count all your sighs, and pay you back the same ? 
 If in my atmosphere you feel unwell 
 For heaven's sake take flight and break the spell." — 
 
 " Cruel enchantress ! can you counsel this? — 
 
 As if my heart had power to snap its chain. 
 
 Or freely coidd depart from all the bliss 
 
 That dwells about thee. — What should I obtain ? 
 
 Though far my flight, and on the eagle's wing, 
 
 Still would that form to meet my fancy spring." — 
 
 " Enthusiast ! a prey to self-deceit ! — 
 
 My form and memory away would fleet 
 
 Soon as a little absence you had proved. — 
 
 I know the springs by which mankind are moved ; 
 
 The present fair is all in all with you : 
 
 In absence all your sex are found untrue. — 
 
 Where is the man, who wanu in health and youth, 
 
 Lets fair occasion slip, rather than fail in truth P "
 
 GANDALIN. 15 
 
 *' Thou Sonneinon, blasphem'st in evil hour 
 The sanctity of love, and thine own charms. — 
 For if a single night on me could shower 
 All fortune, with a goddess in my arms, 
 A throne at my disposal" — 
 
 " Hold ! no more — 
 Thou swear'st too much at once. — It is the play 
 Of heated fancy, and we better know. — 
 The world will still go on its wonted way : 
 'Tis larger than you think." 
 
 " Oh let me shew" 
 Exclaimed th' impassioned knight, "that you are wrong. 
 And promise, what I on my knees implore. 
 Love's guerdon shall at last to me belong, 
 If faithful to the charms I now adore. " — 
 
 " I'm half inclined" — such punishment is just — 
 
 " To hold you to your word" — She said and smiled. — 
 
 " Oh take it then, ere (juite of hope beguiled ! —
 
 16 GANDALIN. 
 
 There yet is time, if to that word you trust. 
 To save a life that fails with your delay." — 
 
 " Sir Gandalin ! reflect while yet you may. — 
 
 Bold is the promise, — and reward to gain" — 
 
 " Oh leave the rest to Love, he will his faith maintain I ' 
 
 " You venture much, my friend, nor must you deem 
 That Sonnemon is easy to deceive — 
 She's not so thoughtless as her words may seem. 
 Nor three years pass so quick as you believe." — 
 
 " Oh ! were they seven, spent with hope of thee. 
 Not seven short days more swiftly would pass by ! " 
 
 "Thy faith must still unchanged and constant be. 
 Nor e'en a goddess raise one wandering sigh — 
 And thou must swear the strongest, holiest oath. 
 Thou wilt no syllable of truth conceal ; 
 But here returned, thou wilt, however loath.
 
 GANDALIN. 17 
 
 Thy secret heart and all its faults reveal. — 
 Canst thou do this ? " 
 
 " And wilt thou then. 
 My Sonnemon ! ensure nie love's reward ? 
 That heart, reserved for the most blest of men ? 
 I swear whate'er thou bidst, however hai'd. — 
 Yet grant three little days before we part, 
 Spent in the sunshine of those lovely eyes ; 
 Let their mild beams dissolve my glowing heart. 
 So may I go" — 
 
 " My wish to yours replies. — 
 Yet mark. Sir Gandalin, my last command : 
 Foresight becomes me, of man's art aware ! 
 Hide not in some lone corner of the land, 
 Till three long years are past : make trial fair. 
 My meaning is, that during all that time. 
 You journey on through many a distant clime. 
 And shun no love adventure." — 
 
 " Hear me swear." — 
 c 2
 
 18 GANDALIN. 
 
 " And Gandalin, in turn my hand receive. 
 Pledge of a promise wliich I freely give." — 
 
 The youthful knight, o'ercome with love and bliss. 
 
 Seized her fair hand upon his bended knee. 
 
 And deep impressed it with a burning kiss. 
 
 Sudden he seemed a brighter sun to see, 
 
 A new created, fairer world he found. 
 
 And earth looked joyful as he gazed around.
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK II.
 
 G AND ALIN. 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 In presence of two dear loved eyes. 
 Time, though unheeded, swiftly flies ; 
 For the third day was well nigh worn, 
 And Gandalin would still have sworn 
 It was the first — give him liis way. 
 He'd turn each minute to a day ; — 
 And yet, the fair whose love he sought 
 Seemed scarce for him to have a thought ; 
 And seldom, and by stealth returned 
 His glances which with passion burned I 
 But nectar, as the enchantress knew, 
 From every stolen look he drew ;
 
 22 GANDALIN. 
 
 And future fortune dawned so bright 
 In the soft glimmering of that light, 
 That he would not one glance exchange 
 For all else fair in beauty's range. 
 !Night brought a period to his bliss ; 
 He prest an endless farewell kiss 
 Upon her yielded hand, — then rose. 
 His brain on fire with parting throes, 
 And ran from forth the lady's bower. 
 In haste to hide the sudden shower 
 Which from his eyes began to pour. — • 
 
 Straight on his noble steed he sprung, 
 And hurried forth with anguish stung ; 
 Yet frequent stopped, and turning gazed 
 On lights which from her castle blazed ; 
 Then sighed to think, that female pride 
 Should him from those loved walls divide. 
 Slowly he passed the well known ground. 
 The world so narrow seemed around.
 
 GANDALIN. 23 
 
 As if his hands might well embrace 
 The whole of its collected space. — 
 The sun by day, the moon by niglit. 
 Cloudless and mild dispensed their light; 
 The blackbird's and the linnet's song 
 Still warbled as he rode along ; 
 But not the brightest sun by day, 
 Nor the moon's purest, softest ray. 
 Nor song of birds in flowery May, 
 Could joy to his sad heart restore : 
 He saw not, or he wept the more. — 
 He joumeyed on, he knew not where. 
 Went further, and was never there. 
 Of reason and of sense bereft. 
 His soul with Sonnemon was left ; 
 The whiles his shadow, pale and worn. 
 At his steed's will was onward born. — 
 Thus day was seen in night to close ; 
 A second morning soon arose. 
 But not the brightest noon -day beam
 
 24 GANDALIN. 
 
 Waked Gandalin from out his dream. 
 Of nothing which was done aware. 
 His squire for every thing must care, 
 Whilst he continued day and night 
 Like one who raves in fever's height. 
 
 Yet God be praised I by slow degrees 
 
 Fancy resumed her wonted play. 
 
 With healing power would frequent seize 
 
 The present, and its charms display. 
 
 Steeping remembrances that might destroy. 
 
 In nature's bloom and thoughts of former joy ; 
 
 Until the past, more mellow made, 
 
 Grew dim, and softened into shade : 
 
 Faintly the outlines seemed to close, 
 
 And that new magic world arose. 
 
 Where truth with pleasing fiction blends. 
 
 And Love to both his beauty lends. — 
 
 He looks no more with vacant eyes. 
 
 But as new scenes before him rise,
 
 GANDALIN. • 25 
 
 All mingle with that image fair. 
 
 And Sonnemon hlooms every where !^ * 
 
 The dew-drops on each blade of grass 
 
 Reflect her smiles with tiny glass ; 
 
 She rests beside yon murmuring brook ; 
 
 Those flowers have caught her sunny look ; 
 
 And every green and leafy bower 
 
 Is hers, and sacred to her power. 
 
 From that old castle's ivied wall, 
 
 He builds for her a fairy hall. — 
 
 " Oh ! that within this lonely vale, 
 
 I, at thy feet might pour my tale ; 
 
 And by the world unseen, unknown, 
 
 Still love, and live for thee alone, — 
 
 Dearest ! — beloved by thee, — thy heart my throne ! " 
 
 Thus he exclaims vath swelling breast. 
 
 And feels his very sighs are blest. 
 
 The sweetness of spring's balmy air. 
 
 Is but the breathing of his fair;
 
 26 • GANDALIN. 
 
 And the soft gales that round him blow. 
 Seem sent by her, to soothe his woe ; 
 With her, he treads tlie lonely glade, 
 Their couch some rocky cavern made. 
 Where lost in dreams, he sinks to rest. 
 And peaceful slumbers on her breast. — 
 
 Now faded, though unmarked and slow. 
 Her form to tints of fainter glow. — 
 Though Sonneraon was ever seen 
 Enshrined within, — his bosom's queen ; 
 The halo which ai"ound her shone. 
 The balmy freshness, partly gone. 
 That image of some charms bereaved. 
 Which less and less of light received. — 
 Things present more important grew. 
 And color from the past withdrew ; 
 The senses, an unruly race. 
 Again began to assert their place ;
 
 GANDALIN. 27 
 
 New dangers now beset the youth. 
 Though constant, and unchanged in truth. 
 Three years their length had nearly run 
 Since Gandalin his course begun : 
 Onward through Europe he had roved. 
 And many a hard adventure proved ; 
 His faith and truth unblemished brought 
 From all the combats they had fought. — 
 For if by chance he felt a wound, 
 'Twas such, as where the body's sound 
 Heals of itself. — And now he came 
 To Paris, where to work him shame. 
 Love tried all arts to raise a flame. — 
 
 'Twas when Augustus Philip reigned. 
 Who as admiring poets tell 
 The palm of chivalry obtained. — 
 No prince's court could his excel : 
 There gallant knights in jiomp an'ayed, 
 To fairest dames their homage paid ;
 
 28 GANDALIN. 
 
 There maidens wooed the lover's choice. 
 Well dressed, with gentle mien and voice. 
 And dazzling fair by torches' light. 
 As tulips clad in colors bright. — 
 These, as beseemed them, tried each art 
 With smiles to catch some vacant heart ; 
 And late, and eai'ly, turned their eyes 
 Where'er they hoped to find a prize. 
 
 The handsome stranger knight, they thought 
 Expressly for their booty brought. — 
 Would you had seen the chace begin 
 By which they hoped his love to win I 
 Yet smile and glance were thrown away ; — 
 He read not what their eyes would say. 
 And one like him of conquest sure 
 Was never half so coy and pure. — 
 AVhat could they do ? — In shame retire ? — 
 Far nobler thoughts their souls inspire. —
 
 GANDALIN. 29 
 
 The duller they perceived our knight. 
 
 The less their plans need shun the light ; 
 
 If their ajiproaches came loo near, 
 
 Should words and looks too wann appear, 
 
 He would not mark them in his fear. 
 
 They to their passion utterance gave ; 
 
 But he respectful, cold, and grave. 
 
 Could in their words no meaning find : 
 
 " The ladies were too good, too kind " — 
 
 And if more closely love were pressed, 
 
 All was by politics redressed. 
 
 Discourse on metaphysics, modes. 
 
 The weather, or the state of roads. — 
 
 'He'd any other subject start, 
 
 Save what the ladies had at heart. — 
 
 In short, so well he played his game. 
 
 That spite his talents and his fame. 
 
 He was declared a stupid ass 
 
 With high arched nose and eyes of brass. — 
 
 D 
 
 9
 
 30 GANDALIN. 
 
 Such conduct, you'll allow, must prove 
 Our hero's constancy in love. 
 His courage and his faith were seen 
 Spotless as they had ever been. 
 And wanner still his passion grew 
 As to its close the trial drew : — 
 And yet, if we must speak the truth. 
 An accident befel the youth. 
 Which unforeseen his virtue shook. 
 And something from its brightness took. 
 
 Now listen, — Iroiri the chace returned. 
 Sir Gandalin had left the king ; 
 And riding slowly home, his bosom burned 
 In thought that made his hand the bridle liing 
 Upon his courser's neck, while upward turned 
 His eyes to gaze upon fair Venus' star. — 
 Thus lost in love, he had not wandered far, 
 When from a wooded knoll he saw 
 A maid on palfrey nearer draw ;
 
 GANDALIN. 3 1 
 
 With sudden turn slie stopped liis way. 
 And in soft tones began to say. — 
 
 " Sir Knight, your gallant order use 
 No boon discourteous to refuse : — 
 And what a maid may justly ask_, 
 To knighthood is a willing task." — 
 
 Sir Gandalin reined in his steed. 
 And having ta'en as clear a sight 
 As he could manage by that light; 
 She seemed so chaste in word and deed. 
 That he might promise any task 
 Which one so modest deigned to ask. — 
 " Damsel " — he said, " In haste explain 
 Whate'er your wishes would obtain ; 
 'Tis done, so love and truth remain " — 
 
 " Speak on your honor, gentle knight. 
 If Gandalin vovu- name be bight ?"
 
 32 GANDALIN. 
 
 The Knight replied : " It is contest. 
 That by that name I am addressed " — 
 
 " Fool that I was, to bid you tell 
 What my own eyes might answer well " 
 Rejoined the maid, " they told me true, 
 I could not err in search of you." — 
 
 " Good,"' said the knight, "your tale unfold 
 The evening air is damp and cold. — 
 What is your will ? " 
 
 She answered bland. — 
 " Swear by your duty as a knight 
 To do wliatever I command." — 
 
 " Here then my faith and troth I plight. — 
 Nay bid me to earth's centre creep 
 Where hellish spirits howl and weep ; 
 Bid me make way through lions' jaws. 
 Through giants' clubs, and dragons' claws, 
 I swear to do't " —
 
 GANDALIN. 33 
 
 " 'Tis nought so hard," 
 The damsel said, " and your reward 
 Shall he a safe and sound return ; 
 Then do not my entreaties spurn, 
 I only bid you follow, where 
 A maid like me to guide may dare." 
 
 The knight looked thoughtful, and stood still, 
 
 " How !" said she, " do you thus fulfil 
 
 Your promise ? Does your courage fail ? 
 
 Is knighthood pledged of no avail ? 
 
 Are you of dragons less afi'aid 
 
 Than of a weak and artless maid ? 
 
 AVherefore delay ?" And straight she spurred 
 
 Her steed, without another word ; 
 
 And he pursued with equal speed 
 
 Where'er the damsel chose to lead. — 
 
 « 
 
 She paused a fast barred gate beside ; — 
 
 " Sir Knight, " she said, " Here ends our course. —
 
 34 GANDALIN. 
 
 Knock, knock." The gate self-opened ^Yide, 
 And on their entrance closed with force. 
 
 " Courage, fair Sir! our journey's done! — 
 Why in displeasure droops your head ? 
 Why fail your spirits ere the adventure's won ? 
 Dismount your horse, he shall he watched and fed. 
 
 Silent and gi'ave did he alight ; 
 
 And saw an ancient castle rise. 
 
 With hattlenients and turrets dight. 
 
 And pillars that might prop the skies : 
 
 Angles and pinnacles were there ; 
 
 In short, so quaint the huilding seemed. 
 
 He thought of Melusina fair. 
 
 And of enchanted damsels dreamed. 
 
 " And now, Sir Valour ! let me hind 
 Your eyes, and take your yielded hand" — 
 Smiling the maid exclaimed, " You'll find 
 No danger you may not withstand.
 
 GANDALIN. 35 
 
 But here 'tis dark, so pray attend 
 
 Whilst we the winding stair ascend" — 
 
 He followed, but so heavily and dull. 
 
 She seemed to drag along a sack of wool. 
 
 " Come ! come ! Sir Knight ! Thus sad, and bare 
 
 Of manhood, I could almost swear 
 
 I heard the beating in your breast ! 
 
 Take courage, you shall soon in safety rest." 
 
 And if we must confess the truth. 
 With all the valor of the youth. 
 His heart was not as usual bold : 
 Feelings confused, unlooked for, came. 
 And shudderings now hot, now cold. 
 Ran down his back, and shook his frame : 
 One while he seemed in fire to glow. 
 Next moment all encased in snow. 
 
 Vet when they gained the staircase length. 
 He stood resolved, — collected strength,
 
 36 GANDALIN. 
 
 And freely followed where the maid 
 Through long dark passages conveyed ; 
 Turned to the left, another stair 
 Ascended, which led on to where 
 A vestibule the entrance made 
 Into a chamber, scarce displayed 
 By glimmering lamps : and here they found 
 A door that opened without sound ! — 
 
 The maiden gently pushed him through, 
 '•' Now what remains " said she, " to do 
 Judge for yourself — I've brought you here 
 Unharmed, — despite your foolish fear."
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK III.
 
 G AND ALIN. 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 There stood our knight embarrassed, vexed ; 
 
 Like one who in a dream perplexed, 
 
 From fire escaping sudden wakes; — 
 
 Half rising he with terror shakes. 
 
 And stares around with open eyes. 
 
 Doubting if flames in truth arise. 
 
 Or he from fancied danger flies. — 
 
 That Gandalin was waking, seemed 
 
 Quite certain, yet he almost deemed 
 
 Some strange enchantment there had been. 
 
 So fairy-like the passing scene. 
 
 "Well !" thought he, " since I'm fairly in, 
 
 Forward ! — the adventure let me win."
 
 40 GANDALIN. 
 
 In truth, to venture on, he saw 
 
 Would give no cause his sword to draw : 
 
 No practised fighter was required. 
 
 Where all breathed calm and peace inspired. 
 
 Let fancy to your eyes pourtray 
 
 A stately room, whose walls display 
 
 Antique adornments of French use ; 
 
 The ceiling carved, of work profuse. 
 
 Where gi'oups of flowers with order placed 
 
 In golden baskets, stood enchased : 
 
 The walls with tapestry o'erlaid. 
 
 Fair bible histories displayed : 
 
 Here, in bright colors you might mark 
 
 Young Moses in his reedy ark ; 
 
 Whilst maids in boddice stiff, stand round. 
 
 And bare below the knees, are found 
 
 Drawing ashore their little prize. 
 
 Where Nile's broad waters upward rise. — 
 
 On Dalila's fair lap lie spread 
 
 The raven locks of Samson's head. —
 
 GANDALIN. 41 
 
 There Bathsheba her person laves.— 
 Susanna rising from the vvaves^ 
 Here 'twixt the two old sinners stands ; 
 And chaste as fair, with outspread hands 
 She seeks those youthful channs to hide. 
 Which round and full, in beauty's pride 
 Swell forth, and all her care deride. — 
 
 Upon a stand of scented wood 
 Two lights, a screen beside them, stood ; 
 And near them an alcove was placed 
 Like a rich tent, with curtains graced. 
 And Turkish bed with damask hung, 
 Where silver flowers seemed careless fluns. 
 And from a ground of yellow sprung. — 
 A)id now, — what more ? — I will be sworn 
 I know the way your fancy's borne ! — 
 You gentlemen in haste suppose 
 Upon that bed of sweet repose 
 E 2
 
 42 GANDALIN. 
 
 Some sleeping Venus lies at rest. 
 
 Like Titian's, — in niglit garments drest; — 
 
 Above, involved in airy clouds ; 
 
 And where aught more her beauty shrouds. 
 
 By chance the silken covering thrown 
 
 Aside, a fair round knee is shewn. 
 
 Which the seven Grecians wise and leanied 
 
 To just as many fools had turned ! 
 
 What further charms your fancy shews 
 
 The painter need not now disclose, — 
 
 For, — pardon me, — you are deceived ; — 
 
 The lady's not what you believed. — 
 
 All in good time. — Completely dressed 
 
 Was she whose head that pillow pressed, 
 
 A dress arranged in such odd guise 
 
 Had never yet met mortal eyes ; 
 
 So Durer-like each stiffened fold. 
 
 You could not any shape behold. — 
 
 All lay so formal and so straight. 
 
 Not fancy's self could penetrate.
 
 GANDALIN. 43 
 
 Though from small glimpses she can draw 
 
 Far more than Argus ever saw. 
 
 You could not guess at any charm. 
 
 Not even at her hand or arm ; 
 
 Like Juno's they might be, — who knows, — 
 
 She took good care not to expose 
 
 Their whiteness ; clad in long wide sleeves. 
 
 Her Turkish dress no opening leaves. 
 
 But e'en the finger points receives ! 
 
 Our hero thought, 'twas hardly fair 
 
 To hide heaven's gifts with so much care. — 
 
 When really beautiful, we find 
 
 Ladies are seldom thus unkind ; 
 
 And what the case suspicious made, — 
 
 In a thick double veil arrayed 
 
 No feature of her face was seen ! — 
 
 Scarce seemed the light to pass between. 
 
 As if unwilling to disclose 
 
 Where her young bosom gently rose. —
 
 44 GANDALIN. 
 
 Beauty was never known to wield 
 
 A more impenetrable shield. — 
 
 And yet, as dubious fancy wrought. 
 
 Something there was, or so he thought. 
 
 With more than mortal splendor fraught. 
 
 Through all the clouds that intervene 
 
 There dawns a ray of heavenly light. 
 
 Around her shines a halo bright ; 
 
 And as he gazes, Gandalin 
 
 Feels tempted ere he is aware 
 
 To bend his knees and worship there ! 
 
 " So much the worse," I hear you say ; 
 " If Gandalin goes on this way 
 His faith is lost." — Let time decide ; 
 Meanwhile he shall be sorely tried. — 
 Enough. — The lady in disguise 
 Bade him approach, — he could not rise.- 
 And modest and abashed, he stood 
 Farther aloof than "allant should.
 
 GANDALIN. 45 
 
 " Sir Knight," she said, " To bid you here 
 
 At such an hour, must strange appear. 
 
 And like the adventures which we're told 
 
 Sometimes befal the young and bold. 
 
 Yet I implore you to reserve 
 
 Your judgment, — let not fancy swerve. 
 
 But till I'm better known, resolve 
 
 Neither to blame me nor absolve ; 
 
 And patient listen to my tale 
 
 Till the lark's notes the morning hail." — 
 
 Though the thick covering drawn aronnd, 
 Had damped her words' melodious sound. 
 They met his ear, as if on high 
 An angel's lyre was heard to sigh. 
 And sank within his soul. — " What charm," 
 He thought, his heart with rapture warm, 
 " Must that fair face and form disclose 
 Whose syren voice in music flows." — 
 O'erwhelmed as by a sudden spell. 
 One moment scarcely could he tell
 
 46 GAXDALIN. 
 
 What ailed him, — then strong effort made. 
 Called back the senses ■which had strayed, 
 And bending modest on his knee — 
 " Lady ! " he said, " before you see 
 A guileless heart from evil free ; 
 One, who whatever you may deem. 
 Feels nothing but respect, — esteem ; — 
 And to suspect would never dare 
 What nature formed most good and fair. 
 Then let not fear your breast assail, , 
 But throw aside that envious veil — 
 I swear by that angelic voice. 
 Your charms creation might rejoice." — 
 
 The lady begged our hero rise, 
 And flatteries spare which one so wise 
 Might guess displeasing in her eyes. — 
 She wished that he would take a chair. 
 Then pointed to a rich bergere 
 Which near him stood. — Sir Gandalin,
 
 GANDALIN. 47 
 
 Obedient to her will, was seen 
 Placed opposite, when she began. — 
 
 " My lineage and my rank, I can 
 
 Pass by, they scarce concern my tale : 
 
 Trifles like these cannot avail 
 
 To make the blood more pm-ely flow. 
 
 Or joy or sorrow on its course bestow. 
 
 Enough, that you perceive I live. 
 
 And more than life no ancestry can give. 
 
 " I know not by what chance it came. 
 Longer and Dearer is my name." — 
 
 " Lonf^er and Dearer!" — in surprise 
 Cried Gandalin, and we surmise. 
 If ought of foresight we may claim. 
 Each reader will repeat the same. 
 
 " Longer and Dearer, Sir, I own — 
 And truth compels me to make known.
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 That in the lines of my right hand 
 'Twas read by those who understand. 
 That all the Helenas of Greece, 
 And far famed Julias of Rome, 
 Must yield to fate's unchanging doom ; 
 Who bade their former glory cease, 
 Longer and Dearers must increase. 
 As stars in lusti'e quick decline. 
 When the bright sun begins to shine ! 
 
 Longer and Dearer scarce attained 
 Twelve summers, ere her beauty gained 
 Such power, that all who thoughtless came 
 Too near, and gazed upon her eyes. 
 Languished and burnt with feverish flame — 
 No matter what their years, or size ; 
 Grey hairs from her met no respect. 
 And red could not the heart protect. 
 The greater sense a man displayed, 
 The sooner was her conquest made ;
 
 GANDALIN. 49 
 
 One look his prudence quick disarmed ! — 
 Yet the dread power by which she charmed, 
 At sixteen years more fiercely glowed. 
 When her full form new beauties shewed. 
 Her speaking eyes the Muses made 
 Their throne, — the Graces ever played 
 Around her rosy mouth ; and those 
 Poor fools who gazed too oft, too long, 
 Were wont to S2)eak their love in song. 
 And rhyming warbled out their woes — 
 The Jew saw in her blooming face 
 Heaven's ladder of which Jacob dreamed ; 
 The Heathen, swore her charms took place 
 Of Vemis', who beside her seemed 
 Mere mortal. — Every day that past, 
 Longer and Dearer 's gentle breast 
 With gloomy thoughts was overcast. 
 As two or three, deranged, distrest. 
 Were safely lodged in Bedlam's wall ; 
 AVhich for their numbers growing small, 
 
 F
 
 50 GANDALIN. 
 
 Anotber building was endowed 
 Of ampler space : — but soon the crowd 
 Of senseless fools, a wing required. 
 And then a second was desired ! 
 Yet many roved for want of space 
 Through woods and plains, in every place. — 
 The hollow clefts of rocks were hewn 
 With rhymes, the trees with couplets strewn. 
 Love in March winds could fire their brains ; 
 Love in the dog days chilled their veins. 
 Nay some were brought to such a pass 
 They braved the cold and evening dews. 
 Crept on all fours, and ate the gi'ass ; 
 Threat'ning that should she still refuse 
 To yield her heart, they must run mad. — 
 Such silly fancies fools have ever had ! — 
 
 " God pardon me ! three years went round, 
 And pleasure in this life I found. — 
 In my fool's paradise were laid
 
 GANDALIN. 51 
 
 Lovex-s of every sort to chuse. 
 When Amadis at home was played. 
 What need romances to peruse ? 
 For every day events arose. 
 From which a new one to compose ! 
 
 " Yet followed long, the memest game 
 Will lose its relish, and gi-ow tame — 
 Besides some tragedies there were : — 
 One of my lovers in despair 
 Would on his sword before me fall. 
 Or dash his head against the wall. — 
 A second, from some rocky height 
 With sudden spring would take his flight, 
 And falling, lose the little brain 
 Love had allowed him to retain, — 
 A third with dagger in his hand. 
 Furious before my eyes would stand ; 
 And striking, chuse the surest place 
 To spurt his blood into niv face ! —
 
 52 GANDALIN. 
 
 Daily were these sad scenes renewed. 
 
 In vain my lovers laughed, or cried^, 
 
 Or tears and smiles together tried. 
 
 For nothing but disgust ensued. — 
 
 At length, the truth to daylight came. 
 
 My face was not alone to blame. — 
 
 My father to a fairy's bower 
 
 Had been received in evil hour ; 
 
 Then marriage came their loves between. 
 
 And on his child she poured her spleen. — 
 
 " My father, by his subjects blest. 
 Of living caliphs was the best. — 
 The secret known, he gave command 
 To search through every distant land. 
 If any talisman or charm 
 Might turn aside his people's harm. 
 Envoys to foreign courts were sent. 
 And east and west his agents went ; 
 Yet vainly was their time employed.
 
 GANDALIN. 03 
 
 They home returned with hopes destroyed, 
 And nothing brought but purses void. — 
 
 " At length he learnt, that near a lofty hill 
 
 Which bounds the desart by the river Krat, 
 
 An aged man in meditation sat. 
 
 Spirits and dwarfs were subject to his will; 
 
 To him the number of the stai's was known, 
 
 The secret vutues of each plant and stone. 
 
 He ruled the elements, could raise the storm. 
 
 Bid the sun shine by night, and gently warm 
 
 Earth's frozen bosom, were he so inclined. — 
 
 And though long years had made him deaf and blind. 
 
 He saw each strange event that came to pass. 
 
 Revealed at once as by a mental glass. — 
 
 The caliph to that hermit sent 
 To whom the elves and spirits bent, 
 Who lonely musing ever sat 
 Silent beside the river Krat. 
 F 2
 
 54 GAXDALINV 
 
 The messenger an answer brought, — 
 No remedy can now be sought 
 To heal the lady's ill, unless 
 She throws a veil above her dress ; 
 And thus concealed from curious gaze. 
 From east to w^est incessant strays. 
 Until a worthy man she find 
 Who loving nothing but her mind, 
 (Not e'en her miniature,) shall shew. 
 Worth longer known will dearer gTow.' 
 
 " My lather was of hasty mood. 
 And never for reflection stood. 
 Without an interval of thought 
 He caused my camel to be brought ; 
 Himself th' impervious veil prepared. 
 And with his blessing forth I fared 
 This wonder of a man to greet 
 Whom never vet mv eyes could meet !-
 
 6ANDALIN. 66 
 
 " Westward I rode three years and more. — 
 
 In every port by ocean's shore 
 
 I and my long white veil were seen. 
 
 Ai tournaments and fairs, I've been; 
 
 No place untried of festive sport. — 
 
 I 've visited each foreign court, 
 
 Yet all in vain ! — though with surprise 
 
 Men stare at first on my disguise, 
 
 And curious urge me to reveal 
 
 The features which I must conceal ; 
 
 All ends with this !" — 
 
 Our hero cried, 
 " Is't possible!" — then deeply sighed. — 
 By accident an arm of snow. 
 Round, well proportioned, which till now 
 Lay from the curious eye withdrawn, 
 Peeped forth from her long sleeve of lawn : 
 For both her arms were upward bent. 
 When he upon her tale intent.
 
 56 GANDALIN. 
 
 "Is't possible !" in haste exclaimed. 
 
 With warmth his prudence should have tamed. 
 
 That glimpse some new idea brought 
 
 Connected with his train of thought, 
 
 And in the tumult of his breast 
 
 Had touched him nearer than he guessed. 
 
 Her hand and arm but just exposed. 
 
 Again within the sleeve reposed ; 
 
 While all unconscious seemed the maid 
 
 Of what her movement had betrayed. 
 
 She wondered by what hidden chann 
 
 " All ends with this" — his soul could warm. — 
 
 And his " Is't possible !" pronounced 
 
 In tragic tone, that woe announced. 
 
 And sigh that heaved by passion seemed ; 
 
 A little laughable she deemed. — 
 
 " And are you at my lot surprised ?" 
 She said, — " and yet methinks disguised.
 
 GANDALIN. 57 
 
 And closely veiled, 'tis nothing strange. 
 The eager eye may wish to range. 
 Fancy perhaps may strike the spark, 
 But soon extinguished all grows dark.— 
 Beauty and blooming youth men need 
 As tinder, such weak flame to feed." 
 
 Our knight could not his zeal control 
 " And is ihe beauty of the soul. 
 Are youth and wit of no avail ? " — 
 
 The dame replied, " At least they fail 
 When nothing more the veil displays :— 
 Such caution must suspicion raise. 
 Features indeed there may have been 
 Which plain at first, when often seen. 
 Are so embellished by the mind. 
 They to the heart an entrance find ; 
 And easily themselves endear 
 Because men think no danger's near.
 
 58 GANDALIN. 
 
 Love will unmarked and gently creep 
 Where prudence has been laid asleep. — 
 We know that habit too has force : 
 The eye that dwells on features coarse. 
 May find them speaking, full of light. 
 And think an angel is in sight. — 
 \Yith me, the talisman's reversed ; 
 Suspicions are by fancy nursed — 
 For fold on fold of silk and lawn. 
 Like onion skins are o'er me drawn. 
 And tell me, who would not surinise 
 The beauty fabled, that thus flies 
 Its proper element the light ? — 
 The heart confesses what's in sight, 
 But will not in the dark take flight. 
 Before it ventures, it will chuse 
 To know the amount which it may lose. 
 
 " And yet," Sir Gandalin replied — 
 " If I might in this case decide ;
 
 GANDALIN. 59 
 
 In you the exception is revealed. 
 
 True beauty cannot be concealed ; 
 
 She shines with such all piercing light. 
 
 So warm, so spiritually bright. 
 
 That veil and mask are useless, vain ! — 
 
 I feel this better than explain. — 
 
 She to the inner sense appears 
 
 Immediate, and herself endears ; 
 
 We feel her presence, as the inmost soul 
 
 Feels the divinity its powers control." 
 
 " These matters are for me too deep. — 
 But while our reason is asleep. 
 Fancy will play strange tricks," she said. — 
 The knight abashed hung down his head. 
 Sighed, and was silent. — 
 
 Did she guess. 
 Feelings which he would fain repress ? 
 I know not — it may be, she chose 
 To bring his senses to repose.
 
 60 GANDALIN. 
 
 Thoughtful she paused, tlien calmly said. 
 " Perhaps, Sir Knight, you may be led 
 To wonder, why not sooner taught, 
 I journeys took with danger fraught ? 
 What can I say ? — In this disguise — 
 The step was certainly unwise. — 
 Three years too. — But we all may fail ; 
 Nor will repentance aught avail. — 
 Enough, — the man i'th moon I sought ! 
 The old and prudent hermit, brought 
 Such counsel to my father's mind. 
 His vizier too was thus inclined ! 
 All were agreed it was my fate. 
 They only feared we were too late. — 
 In short, 'tis past. — But when the sun 
 Yet once again his course has run ; 
 At dawn, with God to help at need, 
 I'll journey home at utmost speed. — 
 And now, take counsel with your heart. 
 Will love permit you to depart.
 
 GANDALIN. 61 
 
 And guard my course o'er hill and field ? 
 This court no other knight can yield 
 Whom I may trust my youth to shield." 
 
 So speaking she in haste arose ; 
 
 And stood so graceful, and so tall. 
 
 So goddess-like in calm repose ; 
 
 That Gandalin might justly fall 
 
 Upon his knees, and fervent swear 
 
 By all her veil concealed most fair. 
 
 Not life itself was half so dear 
 
 As knightly duty to fulfil. 
 
 And range the world her presence near ! — 
 
 Yet how, and when, obey her will. 
 
 If he in Brabant must be found 
 
 On a day fixed — by honor bound ? — 
 
 Until that day an-ived, he swore 
 
 By all that's holy— could he more ? — 
 
 To journey with her far and wide. 
 
 Nor would he ever quit her side, 
 
 G
 
 62 GANDAIIN. 
 
 Unless some other knight appeared 
 
 To guard the loveUness his heart revered. 
 
 The fair one to his will deferred. — 
 And now the joyous lark was heard 
 Warbling his early song on high : 
 She bade him go for day was nigh. 
 Then gave her hand, and said farewell 
 With nobler grace than words may tell ; 
 And as he pressed it with a kiss, 
 Trembling he felt a thrill of bliss ; 
 Then almost of his senses reft. 
 Longer and Dearer sighing left. —
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK IV.
 
 GAND ALIN. 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 It was the twilight of the morn ; 
 Ere Eos and the blooming hours 
 Apollo's rising car adorn, 
 And strew his com'ser's path with flowers. 
 Our hero silent and alone, 
 Thoughtful, and shunning paths well known, 
 Across the fields a pathway made 
 And homeward sought his dubious way. — 
 Valley and stream involved in shade 
 Dim and confused before him lay ; 
 The distant hills were scarcely seen ; 
 And where earth, water, air, had been 
 G 2
 
 66 GANDALIN. 
 
 So lately, he could scarce decide. — 
 Along the meadows and the lawn 
 A thousand forms were seen to glide ; 
 And figures indistinctly drawn. 
 Changing, and clad in mist arise. 
 Such scenes his feelings well became. 
 Yet Gandalin scarce tunied his eyes ! 
 The night's adventure, and veiled dame. 
 Were still before him as he rode. 
 And like an apparition shewed. 
 The more to reason he attends. 
 Still less and less he comprehends. — 
 In vain he seeks to close his eyes. 
 And every side he turning tries ; 
 The visions still before him rise. — 
 
 But when victorious day grown bright 
 Poured from the east a flood of light 
 er nature, who all joyous seemed. 
 And in her mornin" freshness dreamed :
 
 GANDALIN. 67 
 
 Truth reassumed her wonted reign. 
 
 And hill and valley, flood and plain. 
 
 Woods glowing with reflected light, 
 
 In their own shapes revealed to sight ! — 
 
 No wonder then, the past should seem 
 
 To Gandalin a troubled dream. — 
 
 Was it a spirit that pursued 
 
 His fevered thoughts, and would obtrude 
 
 As real, illusions gone too soon, 
 
 Formed from the vapours of the moon ? 
 
 All so improbable appeared. 
 
 So dream-like, as his vision cleared ! — 
 
 Yet, his own senses to distrust 
 
 Were difficult — but so he must. — 
 
 From first to last o'er all he ran. 
 And then anew the tale began. — 
 Each separate part with care surveyed : 
 The damsel ; — the request she made ;
 
 68 GANDALIN. 
 
 The Gothic castle ; towers and keep ; 
 The winding staircase, narrow, steep ; 
 The gallery through which they sped, 
 The chamber door to which it led. 
 That opened, and a room exposed. 
 Then of itself behind him closed ; 
 The ceiling richly carved in wood 
 Where flowers in golden baskets stood ; 
 Susanna chaste in beauty's pride ; 
 The Turkish tent, and couch beside; 
 Two tapers shedding silvery light; — 
 All ! all ! again appeared in sight ! 
 And as when first his eyes surveyed 
 The unrevealed before him laid. 
 Again strange shiverings shook his frame. 
 As if he through some cellar came. 
 Again he glowed with sudden heat. 
 And felt his heart confusedly beat, 
 As in soft speech her lips unclosed. — 
 Next came the ami by chance exposed.
 
 GANDALIN. 69 
 
 As fair, and round, and lily white. 
 
 As first it met his raptured sight. — 
 
 In short, whatever he had seen. 
 
 Or fancied, — what had uttered been. 
 
 Stood deeply graven in his breast. 
 
 As if in mail)le 'twere impressed. — 
 
 No ! 'twas no dream — thus far was clear, — 
 
 Still there was something wrong to fear. 
 
 He did not know that he had yet 
 
 With fairy or enchantress met — 
 
 " Well ! what all means, short time will shew ; 
 
 But that 'tis strange I must allow." 
 
 Meanwhile he had at home arrived. 
 And, of the last night's sleep deprived. 
 Lay stretched upon his couch at ease. — 
 Now Sonnemon in sleep he sees : — 
 Her look bespeaks offended pride 
 And seems his faithlessne-ss to chide.
 
 70 
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 'Tis she, in beauty's morning light ! 
 Lovely and young, and pure as bright. — 
 The clear blue heavens shine above ; 
 O'er the green earth her footsteps move, 
 While all around lies hushed and still. 
 As if her blooming charms could fill 
 Creation, and all else were found 
 In rapturous contemplation bound. 
 The god of dreams to vex him more 
 Shewed the loose morning robe she wore. 
 Which, as it negligently flowed. 
 Her graceful fonn's perfection shewed. 
 Her hair in careless ringlets strayed, 
 And o'er her swan-white bosom played : 
 Two full blown roses on her breast 
 Blushing their weaker charms confessed, 
 When with her blooming cheeks compared. 
 Thus nymph-like onward still she fared — 
 Her silken garments lightly pass 
 As if she swam above the grass,
 
 GANDALIN. 71 
 
 Or the young loves, with breathings soft, 
 Had gently home her form aloft ! 
 
 Oh rhyme ! no praise does he deserve 
 Who finding thee, forbade to swerve 
 P'rom thy strict rule — behind a bush 
 To please thee must my hero rush 
 To see his princess pass along. — 
 Nay should I speak the truth in song; 
 Though really some close underwood 
 Grew near the spot on which he stood. 
 Who will believe it on ray word ? — 
 For rhyme, as we have often heard, 
 Has planted groves, and can entwine 
 The bowers with rose and eglantine. 
 Or train the tendrils of the vine. 
 This may be true, but never mind. 
 Dame Fortune though she's painted blind. 
 Will in some cases help us through 
 Far better than our wits could do :
 
 72 GANDALIN. 
 
 And by good fortune, at this time 
 The truth exactly suits the rhyme. 
 For Gandalin was dreaming placed 
 Within a grove by wild vines graced. 
 When on the smooth green turf appeared 
 With thoughtful mien, that maid revered. 
 O'ercome with joy he almost sank. 
 And bliss through all his senses drank. 
 Rooted to earth he stood, and gazed 
 On charms that in full lustre blazed. 
 And drew them in with eager eye 
 As unobservant she came nigh. 
 Lonely in maiden-calm she moved. — 
 Our knight a sudden tightness proved 
 About his heart, which seemed compress 'd. 
 And then with feelings unrepressed 
 And outstretched arms to meet her sprung ! 
 The rustling of the boughs he flung 
 Careless aside in eager haste. 
 At once her quiet thoughts displaced.
 
 GA.NDALIN. 73 
 
 She started like the timid deer. 
 
 Stopped, listened, fearing danger near ; 
 
 Then seeing Gandalin advance, 
 
 She turned away with such a glance — 
 
 So fall of scorn, that ne'er before 
 
 Love such a look of anger wore. 
 
 His finger ends the lightning felt : 
 
 And when in giief he humbly knelt. 
 
 The sorrowing words he tried to say 
 
 Stuck in his throat and died away ! 
 
 She tiuned in anger, but her flight 
 
 He stopped, and softly begged her stay — 
 
 When Sonnemon and dream escaped his sight. 
 
 Dreams are but fancies, says the sage. — 
 Free thinking this ; — in every age 
 Poets their faith in dreams express : 
 From Homer downward, all confess 
 Such visions from the gods are sent. 
 Not wanderings of the mind unbent. — 
 
 H
 
 74 'gandalin. 
 
 That faith from ancient Egypt brought 
 
 May near the Ganges still be sought ; 
 
 Thus all who read not Hume have thought. 
 
 What wonder then our hero should 
 
 (His fancy too with tales imbued 
 
 Which his old grandmother had told,) 
 
 This vision as an omen hold ? 
 
 Yet could he not himself upbraid ; — 
 
 No one had truer faith displayed. 
 
 More fimi, more tender, and more pure ! — 
 
 And for the lady veiled, 'twas sure 
 
 Her charms had never met his sight. — 
 
 Besides, his duty as a knight 
 
 Forbade him service to deny. 
 
 And sixty days were soon gone by. 
 
 Then Sonnemon would understand 
 
 He brought her back from foreign land 
 
 A heart which never once had swerved : — 
 
 And had he then her sconi deserved ? —
 
 GAIVDALIN. 75 
 
 Yet how, if my good angel fear 
 And warn me of some danger near ? 
 In sixty days much may arise. — 
 And for the lady — I surmise 
 Her veil may added danger cause. 
 If danger threats indeed — then pause — 
 Nor when the third year shorter grows, 
 When sixty days the trial close, 
 Thus venture all — perchance to lose. 
 
 " And yet, 'twere treason thus to shrink — 
 What fear I ? — Does my courage sink. 
 When Sonnemon has pledged her troth ? — 
 Am not I bound by strongest oath. 
 And love and honor, holier still. 
 Each courteous office to fulfil; 
 Nor from the greatest trials run ? — 
 And dare I hope, oh Sonnemon ! 
 Faithful returned from conflicts hard, 
 To pluck victorious love's reward
 
 76 GANDALIN. 
 
 From those sweet lips ! — How should I swerve 
 
 And not the bliss in sight deserve ! 
 
 Would not thy first fond look of love 
 
 More deadly than the lightning prove. 
 
 And strike the traitor in thine arms ? 
 
 But what vain fear my breast alarms ? 
 
 No, never I never, shalt thou see 
 
 Thy Gandalin unworthy thee ! 
 
 Away with thoughts like these ; time flies — 
 
 And when another sun shall rise 
 
 We start. —This journey is my last. 
 
 And seven short weeks will soon be past." — 
 
 A fair round face with pleasure bright. 
 While thus he reasoned, came in sight ; 
 Longer and Dearer's Iris, — sent 
 To ask how he the day had spent, 
 And in her mistress' name, invite 
 A second conference at night. — 
 " Yourself can find the way, fair Sir. — 
 Our journey we must now defer;
 
 GANDALIN. 77 
 
 For, if in you I may confide, — 
 My lady's nerves were somewhat tried 
 By last night's tete-a-tete, — and now 
 She feels her pulse with fever glow. — 
 Besides — till morning ! — as I live. 
 It was too long, Sir, — Pray forgive." 
 
 " How ! — does her health thus sudden fail ? " 
 Asked Gandalin — 
 
 " A little pale. 
 With head-ache. Sir, but nothing more : — 
 The evening will her strength restore." 
 
 " Now ! " said the knight, " since we're alone- 
 Your friendship safely may make known, 
 [f quite as dangerous you hold 
 Her beauty as we have been told ? 
 That she has charms I well believe, 
 But there are mirrors which deceive — 
 And; — you will comprehend I know." 
 H 2
 
 78 GANDALIN. 
 
 " After last night's confession, — how 
 Can you ask this? and in such tone ? 
 I guessed your douhts must all be flown." 
 
 " What mean you ! " cried Sir Gandalin- 
 " On honor, all that I have seen 
 Leaves me no wiser than before : 
 I saw her veil and gown, — no more." 
 And at these words he blushed confused. 
 By conscience inwardly accused. — 
 
 " So much the better, God be praised ! 
 Believe me had that veil been raised. 
 It would have cost you dear, for none 
 Unpunished gaze her eyes upon. 
 Their very light, when unconlined. 
 Has power, I swear, to strike men blind.' 
 
 " In that case I almost repent 
 That I to suard her gave consent."
 
 GANDALIN. 79 
 
 Replied the youth. — " Still to be near 
 
 Beauty which never must appear. 
 
 But buried 'neath a veil remain ; 
 
 Must surely turn at last to pain. 
 
 The eye will something more demand." — 
 
 " Sir Knight ! before her face to stand 
 Unharmed, can only be the fate 
 0( one man — his reward is great ! 
 'Twere worth some pains that one to be ! 
 Perhaps, — who knows, — well we shall see." — 
 Here Iris a low courtesy made — 
 " Farewell, beyond my time I've staid ; 
 Your servant in all honor. Sir." — 
 
 That day did nothing more occur. 
 But with the sun's expiring ray 
 The impatient hero took his way, 
 Where curiosity, instead 
 Of duty (as he fancied) led.
 
 80 GANDALIN. 
 
 That passion could not be repressed, 
 Although no other fired his breast. 
 Of beauty such a dragon, he 
 Scarcely supposed the dame to be. — 
 Mere jest, — yet there must be some cause 
 He longed to find out what it was. 
 Then Satan whispered in his ear, 
 To prove his lady without peer. 
 Would to her honor much redound, 
 The fair unknown inferior found. 
 Of that he doubted not indeed. 
 But others idle tales might heed : 
 'Twcre best to make the matter clear. 
 The world need then no error fear. — 
 Taller perhaps the stranger seemed. 
 Three fingers, if he rightly deemed : 
 Juno, — Diana-like, indeed. 
 If majesty alone we heed; 
 That were her praise — but there remained 
 The Graces' prize yet unattained,
 
 GANDALIN. 81 
 
 And Sonneinori was sure of this 
 Whose very smile o'erflowed with bliss ! 
 The thousand charities were seen 
 With her, and that soft winning mien 
 Which unobserved can steal the heart ; 
 The playful jest, and wit's keen dart. 
 The changeful mood that in one day 
 Will thousand difTrent forms display. 
 Which ever varying love inspires ; 
 And shewn in every light still fires ! 
 With chaiTus like these she sure must win. 
 He longed the trial to begin. — 
 " I'm Juno's most obedient slave, 
 Respect, as much as she may crave 
 Is hers indeed — then all is done. — 
 But — long live Love and Sonnemon."
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK V,
 
 G AND ALIN. 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 As lost in thought rode on our knight. 
 
 The castle gate appeared in sight. — 
 
 Ever with lovers 'tis the case ; — 
 
 They can move on from place to place. 
 
 Travel the world to nature blind. — 
 
 No lack of company they find, 
 
 (In deserts least) for fancy still 
 
 Holds converse sweet ; with her they will 
 
 From Goa to Archangel go. 
 
 And how they got there never know. — 
 
 Again our Tris did her best. — 
 The gate flew open, and the guest 
 I
 
 86 GANDALIN. 
 
 Perfumed, adorned as for a ball. 
 Entered, and quickly passed the hall. 
 Staircase, and passage as before. 
 And to the inner chamber led, 
 Tlie lady found — I say no more, — 
 The rhyme will tell you — in her bed ! 
 
 " In bed ! — This is too much," you think. 
 " Propriety from this must shrink ! " 
 
 The knight, what his own eyes perceived. 
 Surprised, and startled, scarce believed. 
 Some paces backward he withdrew. — 
 Indeed the curtain drawn, his view 
 Impeded — yet what could she mean ? 
 More puzzled he had seldom been. — 
 And yet, — what saw he to suiinize ? — 
 A cataract in both his eyes 
 Had less completely hid the fair 
 Than the stilF damask drawn with care !
 
 GANDALIN. 87 
 
 All was in order, straightly closed. — 
 So stilly the unseen reposed. 
 That not a fold around her stin'ed ; 
 And nothing but her voice was heard. — 
 
 She begged his kindness would excuse 
 This strange reception, and accuse 
 Her head-ache of whate'er seemed wrong.- 
 His chair beside her he might place. — 
 Then spite her malady, ere long 
 She rattled on at merry pace. — 
 Her anecdotes were told with wit ; 
 Her strokes of satire surely hit ; 
 Portraits she drew like Marivaux ; 
 And her light lively touch could shew 
 Each object by that very light 
 In which she wished it meet the sight. — 
 Flash after flash, like lightning came, 
 Sally on sally ; whilst the dame
 
 88 GANDALIN. 
 
 Genius and wit by turns displayed ; 
 And by her eloquence conveyed 
 Such life and wannth to all she drew, 
 Such fine contour, and mellow hue. 
 You saw her figures move in air. 
 Yet seemed they without effort there : 
 And the last charm o'er all to fling. 
 Her liveliest jests were void of sting. 
 With fixed attentive eye was seen 
 And folded arms. Sir Gandalin ; 
 For as he nothing could descry. 
 He listened with both ear and eye. — 
 What had he there to do but hear 
 The music of some higher sphere, 
 For such it seemed ; and all around 
 Sweet odors mingled with soft sound. 
 God-like he sat as time flew past. 
 And wished such hours might ever last ! 
 
 And yet, my friends, this state of joy 
 Within one hour was found to cloy. —
 
 GANDALIX. 89 
 
 Could it be otherwise ? — speak truth. — 
 Nature is nature still in youth. 
 And when fair maids in bed are seen 
 Fancy will curtains peep between. — 
 Our hero sat in his bergere 
 Wanned by the magic atmosphere. 
 The damask tightly drawn around, 
 And had it closed with nails been found, 
 With thorns and thistles thickly drest, 
 Had Solomon his seal impressed, 
 The case had surely been the same. 
 For there reposed a lovely dame ; 
 And though thick garments, fold on fold. 
 Were, like a mummy's, round her roll'd, 
 The inner sense her beauty saw 
 Undraped, as painters Venus draw. 
 
 When curiosity kept pace 
 
 With instinct, as was here the case ; 
 
 i2
 
 90 GANDALIK. 
 
 When she, whom close-drawn curtains hide, 
 
 Was the world's wonder ! beauty's pride ! 
 
 Fourth of the Graces ! a tenth Muse ! 
 
 Medusa's self! all one could choose j 
 
 Fairest in nature, and reserved 
 
 For one alone, one who deserved 
 
 To be of mortals the most blest; — 
 
 When hopes were raised, he scarce confest. 
 
 And Satan whispered in his breast. 
 
 That happy mortal, was it he ? 
 
 Oh I prudent friend, as you may be. 
 
 If you are human, thus assailed. 
 
 Virtue one instant might have failed ! 
 
 The knight oppressed, grew sudden wann. 
 Stretched out a leg, and then an ann ;. 
 Propped on one elbow, forward bent. 
 Then quickly on the other leant j 
 Listened confused, as in a dream. 
 And but half noticed the bright stream
 
 GANBALIN. 91 
 
 Of wit's keen flashes — impreparecl 
 He answered questions scarcely heard ; 
 Or of his senses reft, sat dumb, 
 Reflecting much, and bit his thumb. 
 Then seemed to call himself to task. 
 And what his thoughts were bent on, ask. 
 The curtain too, I must confess. 
 Sideways he slyly tried to press. 
 And with his finger gentl}' shoved. 
 From near the head a little moved. 
 Yet do not to condemn him choose. 
 Such trial might the offence excuse. 
 Sir Gandalin was young and wann. 
 And all combined his heart to storm ! 
 Enough — when danger was at height. 
 Just as he thought to bring to light 
 The lady's charms — his better fate 
 Made her an anecdote relate. 
 How once a Frenchman would have dared 
 To raise her veil, and how he fared !
 
 92 
 
 GANDALIN- 
 
 As if the light'ning scorched his frame 
 He started, and drew back in shame 
 Tlie fingers busily employed. — 
 This once at least he would avoid 
 A pang which many men indeed 
 Who are called honest little heed. 
 Nay cannot even comprehend ; 
 The pang of being self-condemned. — 
 
 " What can the worthy knight devise 
 To scape the dangers that arise ? " 
 
 Soon as convenient pause was made 
 He started up, — his watch surveyed. 
 And bowing courteous bade good night : 
 Then homeward sped by pale moonlight. 
 Thus did he, — man could do no more ; 
 But this could not his peace restore. 
 Something he felt as home he turned 
 That like a flame within him burned.
 
 GANDALIN. 93 
 
 It was not love, — it was not hate; 
 
 For if to love condemned by fate. 
 
 Should he not dwell upon her name ? 
 
 That never to his memory came — 
 
 The unknown, the invisible, was all 
 
 He thought of — lady what d' ye call ; — 
 
 Longer and Dearer still forgot. — 
 
 Hatred it certainly was not. 
 
 Else why the weariness he felt 
 
 In every place save where she dwelt ; 
 
 Why did he watch day's failing light. 
 
 And ceaseless ask — " How long till night ? " 
 
 Why when the evening came, such speed. 
 
 Such temper, if the king should need 
 
 His presence ; or the lady's maid. 
 
 As happened now and then, conveyed 
 
 A message to forbid her sight. 
 
 She at a friend's should pass the night; 
 
 Was gone to town, or some such news — 
 
 Which stmight his senses would confuse.
 
 94 GANDALIN. 
 
 I may be wrong, — anil yet I fcav 
 
 The case suspicious will apjjear. 
 
 But after all, it must be said 
 
 His heart was truer than his head ; 
 
 And when by conscience closely plied 
 
 Firmly the wish to rove denied. 
 
 Still master of himself he stood ; 
 
 And still from time to time renewed 
 
 His oath to be for ever true 
 
 To Sonnemon, whate'er ensue. — 
 
 That such resolves had needful been 
 
 Was every day more jilainly seen, 
 
 And an occurrence slight disclosed 
 
 His state more dangerous than supposed. 
 
 It does no credit to the youth : — 
 
 But what of that, — truth still is truth. 
 
 Habit and fixed resolve, had made 
 That law more easily obeyed.
 
 GANDALIN. 95 
 
 Which to his longing eyes forbid 
 Charms 'ncath a veil impervious hid. 
 More rarely fancy would rccal 
 That wish which nearly caused his fall ; 
 She slumbered, though her rest was light , 
 Waked by a touch however slight. — 
 
 The lady's maid was one of those 
 (A hundred such each city shews) 
 Who must in all things interfere; 
 Love-matters above all appear 
 To be their soul's jieculiar joy. 
 Whilst willing they their skill employ 
 In others' cause or in their own ; 
 Devoted slaves to cujiid's throne! — 
 Each handsome youth is still their care- 
 If coldness drive him to despair. 
 And of his goddess he complains ; 
 With pitying heart they list his pains :
 
 96 GANDALIN. 
 
 Do what they cau to bring him case, 
 Eager each glimpse of comfort soizo 
 Nay if they miglit, themselves would ; please. 
 
 With heart tu works ol love iuclined, 
 
 The damsel could not lung be blind 
 
 To our knight's feelings — ever near 
 
 Those chanus which through a cloud appear. 
 
 She listened lu his heavy sighs, 
 
 And tears of pity lilled her eyes : 
 
 Some method of relief she sought. 
 
 And musing on a project thought. 
 
 Which, if two Abigails demure. 
 
 Should blame, a third will praise, I'm sure. 
 
 Judge for yourself. — A garden sjjread 
 Behind the castle, sloping led 
 To where a brook was seen to glide. 
 And fre<pient 'mid the bushes hide. 
 Elder and jasmine near it grew; 
 Acacias, roses, met the view.
 
 (rANDALiy. 97 
 
 O'er pebbles smootli it babbling played, 
 
 Then winding on through wild riowers straved. 
 
 And here and tliere was seen to pa-ss 
 
 Sparkling with light like clearest glass. — 
 
 Here, rushes o'er it:5 waters bent ; 
 
 Tliere, tangled boughs their shadow lent : 
 
 A richly wooded hill it neared. 
 
 And lost a while, s<^)on reappeared 
 
 Where foaming as its waters fell, 
 
 A cataract adorned the dell. — 
 
 Thence to a rocky basin led, 
 
 A bath was formed within its bed ; 
 
 Silent by flowering shrubs o'erhung : — 
 
 So deep the shadow which they flung. 
 
 That such calm spot might will invite 
 
 To taste the bather's pure delight.— 
 
 " Sir Knight " — the maiden gently jsaid — 
 '•To pity pangs like yours I'm led.
 
 98 GANPALIN, 
 
 Still of my lady's sight debarred ; 
 
 Her conduct seems both strange and haiiJ. 
 
 Her's be the loss — for me, I vow 
 
 I could not plague my neighbour so. — 
 
 Perhaps my weakness is extreme. 
 
 But fair young gentlemen I deem 
 
 Our neighbours, though of different sex ; 
 
 And thus our flesh and blood to vex 
 
 Is heathenish, and a crying sin : 
 
 God pardon those who err therein ! — 
 
 I'd thrust my hand into the fire 
 
 To further ought you might require. 
 
 But courage, Sir 1 melhinks I know 
 
 The means some comfort to bestow : — 
 
 At least as nuich as through the shade 
 
 Of leafy shrubs can be displayed, 
 
 This very eve shall be surveyed." — 
 
 The worthy knight by joy possessed 
 Caught the sly damsel to his breast ;
 
 GANDALIN. 99 
 
 His purse within her apron threw. — 
 ' That very day, she'd prov^e it true — 
 " He might behold the stranger fair 
 In all her charms, — no covering there !" 
 And clearly now the maiden told 
 Time, place, the course which he must hold 
 To reach the bath ; and all her plan. — 
 Minutely o'er each point she ran ; 
 And when her secret was revealed. 
 The bargain with a kiss was sealed. — 
 
 Oh Gandalin I — Sir Gandalin ! 
 
 Who could such conduct have foreseen ! 
 
 Where had your faith and honor flown ? 
 
 Abominable this, — I own ! 
 
 But thus it is in every clime. 
 
 And has been since old Adam's lime. — 
 
 If men reflecting only stood 
 
 For but sev^en minutes, in cold blood.
 
 100 GANDALIN. 
 
 They could not then so widely err. — 
 But hetter thoughts they still defer. 
 Drawn on hy sinful lusts — Hold there ! 
 Thank God that things are as they are. 
 Sir moralist, nor undertake 
 Changes in nature's laws to make — 
 Were they reversed you still would find 
 Something not perfect to your mind : 
 Some {7" or but, would never fail. — 
 Why quarrel if our prudence quail. 
 Like yours ? — for if we wiser were, 
 (Nature of that has ta'en good care.) 
 Our wisdom you would straight revile. — 
 Yet must I own the habit vile. 
 Which makes men fall in love in haste. 
 Nor care before what pit they're placed ; 
 But stumbling, first begin to think 
 Instead of reasoning on the brink. — 
 The first young man whom we create 
 Shall have more wisdom in his pate ;
 
 GANDALIN. iOl 
 
 He shall be of a different race. — 
 Meanwhile we'll spare our lungs, — our place 
 Is not, eternally to blame. — 
 The world will still go on the same. 
 For us no better, and no worse. — 
 But to the hero whom my verse 
 Digressing, so abruptly left. 
 Scarce had retired that maiden dell 
 When rousing to reflection deep 
 His better soul awoke from sleep; 
 Saw how her rival was employed ! 
 Confused, and anxious to avoid 
 The mischief which was almost done, 
 A desperate conflict she begun. — 
 First one by one her reasons brought : 
 The other, as her wont is, thought 
 Little of reasons, and opined 
 'Twere best to do what she inclined. 
 From words at last they came to blows ; 
 The heroine sonl no compact chose, 
 K 2
 
 102 GANDAHN. 
 
 For lil'o or death she struggled hard 
 Whilst victory was undeclared. — 
 When two souls war no man can say 
 The best will surely win the day — 
 Trophies the fair soul had obtained— 
 But, that the dark the conflict gained !
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK VI.
 
 G AND ALIN. 
 
 BOOK VI. 
 
 And now the fated hour drew near 
 When Gandaliu had more to fear. 
 Than all the Knights of Tahle Round 
 In their adventures ever found. — 
 
 Lightly the evening zephyr blew 
 And cooled the grass o'er which it flew ; 
 The sinking sun's enchanting light 
 Played round the poplar's slender height j 
 The shadows lengthened, and were found 
 More still and dark the bath around : 
 Whilst the last bright and lingering ray 
 Gilding the roses, shewed the way
 
 106 GAXDAllN. 
 
 To where all glowing in the light. 
 Listening, and shrinking back from sight. 
 Suffused with blushes though alone. 
 Longer and Dearer on a stone 
 Moss-covered took her pleasant scat : 
 And dipping first her tiny feet. 
 Paused ere she ventured in the wave. — 
 Fly hence ! oh Gandalin ! and save 
 Thyself while yet for flight is time ! 
 How mayst thou else escape from crime ? 
 
 Lurking, and close concealed from view 
 
 Where blushing roses thickest grew ; 
 
 Upon his knees he silent gazed 
 
 Immoveable, with senses mazed. 
 
 As if Medusa's head just shewn 
 
 Had fixed him there and turned to stone. 
 
 How beautiful, that quiet scene ! 
 The very birds who late had been
 
 t 
 
 GANDALIN. 107 
 
 Tuning their joyous evening song, 
 Now hasted the thin boughs among, 
 And silent to behold her leant 
 With little necks stretched out and bent. — 
 The setting sun's last golden glow. 
 The gloom of evening gathering slow. 
 The air which seemed the breath of love ; 
 All ! all, conspired his soul to move. 
 And higher raised the moment's bliss. — 
 E'en gods might joy in scene like this ! — 
 Such scenes indeed can few behold 
 With hearts untouched and senses cold. 
 We might perhaps of saints require 
 To gaze and feel no lambent fire ; 
 But we must pity one so young, 
 AVhom a sly maiden's serpent tongue. 
 And his own flesh and blood, had brought 
 Midst dangers he should ne'er have sought. 
 Poor thoughtless youth I too late he felt 
 That amidst thorns and flames he knelt ! —
 
 108 G AND All K. 
 
 His oi)ened eyes the danger saw 
 
 Too late ! — he could not now withdraw. — 
 
 " And could he really think of flight, 
 
 With such a heaven of bliss in sight ? 
 
 Surely the Rubicon is passed 
 
 Longer and Dearer wins at last ! " — 
 
 I own indeed things thus appeared. — 
 The knight himself the trial feared. 
 And therefore wished to fly though late 
 What seemed his fast ci])proaching fate. 
 He had been lost indeed, I fear, 
 But Sonnemon within his ear 
 Soft whispered — " Gandalin ! oh fly I " 
 
 He would have fled the danger nigh — 
 But how alas ! or which way rush f — 
 The slightest movement of the bush 
 Reveals him. — Heavens ! he'd rather meet 
 The bolt that stretched him at her feet. —
 
 GANDALIN. 109 
 
 Sooner with desperate hands would dare 
 Both eyes from forth their sockets tear ! 
 'Twas well another means remained 
 Which sinking virtue yet sustained. 
 And left his hands with blood unstained. 
 'Twas simply this — he thought at last, 
 Hed shut his eyes and keep them fast ! 
 
 " Could he do this ? "—He did it. Sir !— 
 " Forgive me, this could scarce occur." — 
 Enough, I tell you it was done — 
 And midst mankind if there is one 
 Who in his place can't do the same ; 
 ( I will not rob him of his fame. 
 An honest friendly fellow, he 
 Pious, and orthodox may be,) 
 To call him hero I refuse. — 
 Not all are heroes when they chuse. 
 Truly that noble name to gain 
 Is not so easy to attain ; 
 1
 
 110 GANDALIN. 
 
 Few who attempt it can succeed. — 
 And yet, no magic powers we need 
 To form a hero — one whose sway 
 Can force the passions to obey. — 
 He whom we write of might perchance 
 Through his spread fingers steal a glance ; 
 But ere his eyes the sight confest. 
 Instant more firmly they were pressed. 
 
 The lady from the bath withdrew 
 Nor one offending look he threw. — 
 Poor youth ! the covert he had sought 
 And that first glimpse sad penance brought ; 
 For as he silent homeward pressed. 
 Love's aiTOw bunied within his breast. 
 The fair for ever met his sight 
 Glowing in evening's golden light. 
 Youthful, and blushing purest red ; 
 Whilst the bright rays around her spread
 
 GANDALIN. Ill 
 
 And midst green shrubs and roses strayed, 
 
 Gilding the blossoms they displayed. — 
 
 Vainly he would the scene erase, — 
 
 No effort could her form displace : 
 
 Th' enchanting picture still he viewed. — 
 
 In vain with labor he renewed 
 
 The porti'ait of that long loved maid. 
 
 Whose memory daily seemed to fade. 
 
 Sighing, he struggled still, and grieved, 
 
 And saw his fall, — no more deceived. 
 
 Longer and Dearer now employed 
 His every thought — all else seemed void : 
 He would have shunned her sight, — but how ? 
 What pretext find, he might avow ? — 
 
 Daily the fair one to behold 
 And leave his passion still untold. 
 Nor once by look or word confess 
 The feelings which he must repress;
 
 112 GANDALIN. 
 
 To hide the tire within his veins. 
 Though tortured memory retains 
 The bath scene, and for ever shews — 
 This was too much. — Where seek repose ? 
 Vain are the mantle and the veil. 
 And stiffened drapery must fail : — 
 One instant these wei'e thrown aside. 
 Now fancy can their power deride ; 
 The ladies in the tap'stry found 
 Not more uncovered stand around. 
 
 Could I with eloquence relate 
 What vengeful furies near him wait ; 
 What scorpion whips his steps pursue I — 
 Could I hut bare that heart to view 
 Where cruel love had made his nest. 
 And nightly drove away his rest ; 
 Shew you his features shrank and pale; 
 The late remorse, of no avail.
 
 GANBALIN. 113 
 
 Whose frequent stings shot through his hreaS/t 
 With pangs that utterance suppressed ; 
 His hollow eyes so dimmed by care. — 
 Though these were sin's sad fruit, — I swear, 
 If you are man you coukl not chuse 
 Some drops of pity to refuse. — 
 For ah ! despite our censures keen. 
 Who has not scmietimes tempted been ? — 
 
 Oft, when by burning conscience pressed, 
 When self contempt had filled his breast ; 
 Unable longer to endure 
 The torture, — hopeless of all cure. 
 And raving, — horrid wishes came 
 To tear from out his wretched frame 
 That faithless heart which could offend, 
 And to its yet loved owner send ; 
 There bleeding at her feet to prove 
 How dearly he avenged her love. — 
 x2
 
 114 GANDALIN. 
 
 " Oh Soniiemoii ! too well 1 know 
 My vow each secret thought to shew. — 
 See here the heart, which thine alone 
 And constant, purest hliss had known ; 
 A lew weeks more and thou wert won ! — 
 Wretch that I am, and self undone! — 
 Oh God ! — and could no promise bind ? — 
 Must I too late my weakness find ? — 
 This treacherous heart my faith deceived ; 
 Behold the judgment it received — 
 Take back thine own, of life bereaved." — 
 
 Heaven bade his angel near him stand 
 And with strong power restrain his hand. 
 " Why thus with rage thyself pursue ? " 
 Whispered the genius. — " Why embrue 
 Thy hands in blood ? — formed of the clay, 
 Like all earth's children prone to stray ; 
 Allied to beasts that range the field 
 Wilt thou like them to passion yield ? —
 
 GANDALIN. 115 
 
 Courage ! nor yet the fight resign : — 
 Proud victory may still be thine. 
 While she uncertain holds the scale 
 Resolve — thy ivill can much avail." — 
 This said. — But you yourselves must know 
 What angels in such cases do. — 
 
 Soon as the knight his fault surveyed 
 Less hideous, in mild light displayed ; 
 The storm within no longer raged. 
 But better thoughts his soul engaged. 
 Determined with the foe to close 
 Now once again his courage rose ; 
 The mist around him slowly cleared. 
 Brighter the distances appeared. — 
 What must be done ? — the hour's at hand 
 "When in her presence he must stand I — 
 That very day the stranger must 
 Quit Paris if to him she trust,
 
 1X6 GANDALIN. 
 
 And the first knight h.e can unhorse 
 Shall in his stead protect her course. — 
 
 This was the only means he saw 
 From public scandal to withdraw ; 
 For his adventure quickly known, 
 Through city and through court had flown, 
 And was become the common theme. — 
 
 I must entreat you will not deem 
 Our Abigail the cause of this. 
 Who nothing did or said amiss — 
 Where many eyes the youth observed. 
 His secret could not be preserved ; 
 And prudence never yet had been 
 His failing : — like the ostrich seen, 
 Who deems from all the world concealed 
 What to his eyes is unrevealed. 
 Little our guileless hero thought 
 Of all the malice he had brought
 
 GANDALIN. 1 \ff 
 
 On his own head, — or what bright eyes 
 Revengeful, were his secret sj)ies. — 
 111 you may guess his honor fared ; 
 Nor sneer, nor biting jest was spared. 
 His torture was each gallant's sport ; 
 (You know how things are done at court!) 
 And greater far had been his ease 
 Alone amid ten thousand bees ; 
 So that in haste to quit the field 
 Seemed the last hope his case could yield. 
 
 Another cause forbade his stay. — 
 That cause I hardly dare display. 
 Lest the fair sex with just pretence 
 Should censure me, and take offence. — 
 I know it is against respect, 
 A lady ever to suspect ; 
 Or guess from word, or look, or tone. 
 What only to her heart is known.
 
 118 GAXDALIX. 
 
 Nor must we of a maiden say 
 Love to her heart has found the way. 
 Ere the confession's signed and sealed. 
 And by the settlements revealed. 
 'Twould put philosophy to shame 
 If sooner such conclusions came ; 
 And should we laws like these reverse. 
 Women perhaps might fare tlie worse.- 
 
 But if we must the truth unfold. 
 Our fair one's heart no longer cold 
 Now cherished love a hidden guest ; 
 That love so long her scorn and jest ! 
 Yet strove she to suppress the flame 
 As modest maiden well became ; 
 And careful of her honor, tried 
 From Gandalin her love to hide. — 
 What always happens, happened here ; 
 Despite her care it ivould appear; —
 
 GANDALIN. 119 
 
 A blind man might the secret guess 
 Nor need he wizard art profess, — 
 That one, a burning torch may take 
 Within his breast, nor outcry make, 
 I can suppose though scarce believe ; 
 But to feel love and all deceive — 
 Tell me not this — 'tis ever shewn. 
 By every look and gesture known. — 
 It cannot be — and he discerns 
 The first, whom chiefly it concerns. — 
 Ah foolish maid ! thy very art 
 Will what thou fain would'st hide impart 
 
 Not but that those who masters seem 
 
 In such affairs, will often deem 
 
 A conquest made where love is none : 
 
 Too fast their heated spirits run. 
 
 If ladies chance to heave a sigh. 
 
 Merely perhaps a civil yawn ; 
 
 'Tis ten to one some gallant nigh 
 
 Will think for him that sigh was drawn.
 
 120 GANDALIN. 
 
 Our knight who of a different kind. 
 
 Could nothing in his person find 
 
 So dangerous to a lady's rest. 
 
 By stronger proofs must home be pressed. 
 
 Ere vanity assailed his breast. 
 
 Those stronger proofs had open been 
 To others long — by him unseen. — 
 Her gentle bosom's rising swell ; 
 The tone which more than words will tell;- 
 The sparkling fire that fills her eyes, 
 (Not seven thick veils afford disguise.) — 
 The tender glance, and sudden pause, 
 When turning she that glance withdraws ; 
 The sigh, heaved frequent, low and deep ; 
 The tears which her long lashes steep j 
 As signs of love observers strike. — 
 Two drops of water less alike. — 
 A hundred other proofs were there 
 Which all the self-same import bear. —
 
 GANDALIN. 221 
 
 Had he as little understood 
 
 As a mere child in such things would. 
 
 The dart which his own breast concealed 
 
 Might what she suffered have revealed. 
 
 But not on nie the task devolves 
 
 To answer for the youth's resolves : — 
 
 Perhaps his judgment was betrayed 
 
 By a sixth sense on purpose made ! — 
 
 In one thing only he was wise : 
 
 He could not better means devise 
 
 For safety than a sudden flight ; 
 
 This he determined and judged right. 
 
 For either we to love must yield. 
 
 Or turn our backs and (piit the field ; 
 
 No other hope of victory found — 
 
 We cannot stand and keep our ground. 
 
 And now he would no more defer 
 His journey, but to each demur 
 M
 
 122 GANDALIN. 
 
 Made by the lady, answer gave. 
 With reasons which she could not wave 
 *' % • Why she must straight her camel mount. 
 Convinced or not, on his account. — 
 In silence she at last obeyed ; 
 And by his counsel journey made 
 With little state, in hoj^es to shun 
 Observers, all with prudence done : — 
 Such caution ever merits praise. 
 Though chance our caution oft betrays. 
 
 So forth they fared in silence deep 
 When morn first roused the world from sleep ; 
 Downwards their heads were beni in thought. 
 Which busy no communion sought. — 
 Scarcely two hours they onward rode. 
 When spurring forth from a small wood. 
 With spear in rest, and armour blue, 
 A youthful knight appeared in view.
 
 GANDALIN. 123 
 
 An aged crone behind his back 
 Sat awkward, like a woollen pack ; 
 Such household furniture I ween 
 Was ne'er before with gallant seen ! — 
 With features wrinkled coarse and rude. 
 Had Maritomes near her stood. 
 Ugly, with locks of fiery red, 
 And loathsome as Cervantes said ; 
 She still had shone without compare, 
 Near that old hag a Venus fair ! — 
 
 You wonder how so strange a dame 
 To be the knight's companion came ; 
 Why he should make his gallant mare 
 A burden so unlovely bear. — 
 
 This was a plan in Paris laid ; 
 And thanks ta Gandalin conveyed 
 From many fair neglected dames 
 For his contempt of beauty's claims.
 
 124 GANDALIN. 
 
 Who left tliem to fulfil such task 
 As guard a lady in a mask. — 
 
 A youthful carpet knight they chose 
 Who since he first drew on his hose, 
 (An interval of fourteen years,) 
 Ne'er saw a conflict amidst spears ; 
 Nor difference knew, by fortune blest 
 'Twixt fight with nails or lance in rest. 
 Yet was he brave, or so he thought. 
 And willing the adventure sought ; 
 Hoping some knightly fame to win 
 From battle held with Gandalin. 
 And, as to ladies he would say. 
 Send the young gentleman away 
 Chastised for debts he would not pay.- 
 
 With such intentions he advanced 
 Gaily as if at coiu't he danced ;
 
 GANDALIN. 125 
 
 Then scornful jiaused — his weapon laid, 
 And for our hero's coming staid. — 
 " Halt there ! " He cried aloud from far, 
 " Your fnrther passage I must bar. 
 Or if you onward mean to ride, 
 DoflT first your helmet and your pride. 
 Acknowledge that the lovely dame 
 Whom you protect, with heart on flame. 
 Cannot in youth or beauty vie 
 With what behind me you descry. — 
 Own this aloud to earth and air ; 
 Then journey onward with your fair 
 As pleases best. — I heed not where." — 
 
 Our hero looked with courage cool 
 
 At the strange knight; then said, " Sir Fool 
 
 Carry your mistress whence she came. 
 
 The hospital — You are to blame. — 
 
 For jokes like this I have no time." — 
 
 M 2
 
 126 GANDAL3N. 
 
 " So much the worse — tis not my crime. — 
 You leave me not on this pretence ; 
 Nor move without a fight from hence 
 Unless my lady's charms you own." 
 
 " 'Twere difficult ere life he flown." — 
 
 " Well," said the knight since you refuse^, 
 And broken ribs would rather choose. 
 Come on ! If fancy be inclined 
 A way from off your horse to find ; 
 Forward ! " 
 
 The conflict now began. — 
 The crone jumped off in haste and ran 
 To where thick bushes flanked the road. 
 And creeping in got safely stowed. 
 
 Each gallant rider spurred his horse, 
 
 And wheeling round commenced his course.
 
 GAMDALIN. 127 
 
 In fierce encounter now they met : 
 The bkxe knight, by the shock o'erset. 
 Lay motionless upon the ground, 
 Such hard reward his boasting found : 
 His weaker stroke was seen to ghde 
 From GandaUn in battle tried. 
 Our hero straight leaped from his horse. 
 And, raising him, with kind discourse 
 Sought comfort to his pain to give. — • 
 " The fall was hard, and as I live 
 I'm sorry for't; but thus you chose." 
 " A trifle to one used to blows ; " 
 The blue replied with voice constrained j 
 " Besides my mare is not well trained. 
 But, if you choose another round, 
 A weapon by my side is found." 
 
 " Most willingly," our knight exclaimed, 
 "Yet, by the fall you're somewhat lamed
 
 128 GANDALIN. 
 
 Methinks, and want a little ease ; — 
 We'll wait some minutes if you please ? " 
 '" Not for an instant! I m quite sound. 
 And keep 'gainst Amadis my ground." 
 
 " I'm glad to find 'tis so indeed — 
 But ere the match begins, take heed. 
 On one condition I insist : 
 If victor I should leave the list, 
 With my fair dame you must pursue 
 Her homeward route as guardian true." 
 
 " What lady ? " said the knight in blue. 
 And turned, " No lady here I view ;— 
 Where is she ? Ha ! there must have been 
 A tliird, who, our amusement seen. 
 Has slily carried her away : — 
 'Twas a bold stroke indeed to play ! 
 I thought I heard a horse's sound. 
 But had no time to look around.
 
 GANDALIN- 129 
 
 Methinks her love was scarcely won. 
 Else from her knight she had not run. 
 Careless of how his heart might ache, 
 Nor deign a last farewell to take ! " 
 
 " How ! is she gone ! " om* hero cried, 
 Gazing around on every side : — 
 " But 'tis not possible ! no, no ! 
 Instant in her pursuit I go. 
 Farewell, Sir Knight — some future day ; 
 But now the gods forbid my stay : 
 New friendships must to old give way." 
 
 He said, and to his saddle sprung. 
 As upward from the ground he swung, 
 A veil upon the gi'ass he spied. 
 Known almost sooner than descried. 
 •'It is the lady's ! " Downward bent. 
 He raised it, as at speed he went ;
 
 130 GANDALIX. 
 
 Kissed it, and placed it in his breast ; 
 Then with the spur his courser pressed 
 And as in haste he onward passed. 
 The landscape round receded fast.
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK VII.
 
 G AND ALIN. 
 
 BOOK VII. 
 
 For four long days, sir Gandaliii 
 Searching through hill and dale was seen : 
 Each road and mountain path he crossed ; 
 Longer and Dearer still was lost ! — 
 
 Impatient, and in feverish pain, 
 Each wood and field he tried in vain; 
 By day and night would still exclaim 
 Longer and Dearer 's cherished name ; 
 And from all living things required 
 Tidings of her his soul desired. — 
 His senses almost left him, where 
 He found the peasant void of care 
 
 N
 
 134 GANDALIN. 
 
 Following his labors in the field. 
 
 Or housing what his acres yield ; 
 
 Whilst wife, and daughters by her side. 
 
 At home their household business plied. — 
 
 And when he asked in breathless haste 
 
 " Has any lady this way passed ?" — 
 
 The rugged hind, and clumsy maid. 
 
 With large dull eyes and mouths displayed. 
 
 The mad knight and his steed surveyed ; 
 
 And understood him just as much 
 
 As if he spoke in Welsh, not Dutch. — 
 
 Weary of ill success he grew, 
 And-4he fifth evening sadly threw 
 Himself beneath a shady hill. 
 Where murmured near a sparkling rill : 
 There for an hour he thoughtful lay. 
 And left his steed midst grass to stray. — 
 His eyes were heavenward turned to gaze. 
 And watch the stars, whose distant rays
 
 GANDALIN, 135 
 
 As twilight faded grew more bright, 
 
 And with their splendor filled the night. 
 
 " Ah !" sighed he, " would I dwelt more near your light ! " 
 
 Pitying at last the god of sleep 
 
 His senses locked in slumbers deep — 
 
 No sorrowing thought an entrance found. 
 
 As calm he rested on the ground, 
 
 A stone his pillow. — Thus till morn 
 
 He slumbered on, fatigued aud worn ; 
 
 And thus perchance had passed the day. 
 
 Had not a shepherd led that way 
 
 His fleecy charge, and hailed with song 
 
 The morning as he strode along. — 
 
 The knight from off his rocky bed 
 With sudden start now raised his head ; 
 And waking, saw with raptured eye 
 Green hills and fields around him lie,
 
 136 GANDALIN. 
 
 Where groups of trees at i*anclom placed. 
 Nature's enchanting landscape graced. 
 All with the morning's freshness glowed : 
 And through the plain meand'ring, flowed 
 A rivulet, whose waters clear 
 Sparkled midst reeds and bushes near. 
 " What stream is that ?" — cried Gandalin — 
 Careless, the shepherd said — " The Senne "- 
 
 As when some traveller sunk in sleep. 
 Roused by the roll of thunders deep. 
 Hears the tall tree above him crash 
 Struck by the vi\'id lightning's flash • 
 Confused, half conscious, he awakes 
 And 'scaped from death with terror shakes.-- 
 By slow degrees restored to thought. 
 And the dread jiast before him brought. 
 His soul with joy and thanks o'erflows. — 
 Thus Gandalin waked from repose —
 
 GANDAIIN. 137 
 
 The sliephertl's words had reached his heart. 
 
 ''The Senne ! Oh God!" strange tremors dart 
 
 Through his young limhs that quivering fail 
 
 Like leaves touched by the autumnal gale : 
 
 For Sonnemon had wandered here^ 
 
 And made a heaven of all things near. — 
 
 And oh ! what new waked feelings pressed 
 
 Thronging within his troubled breast ! — 
 
 " So near ! " — His heart with rapture swelled.— 
 
 Tlie late enchantment was dispelled. 
 
 And all his past adventures seemed 
 
 Fancies of which he only dreamed ; 
 
 A cheat of fairies, who had vexed 
 
 His senses, now no more perplexed. — 
 
 As forms that glide along in mist 
 Are by the sun's bright beams dismissed ; 
 So he arose to former life, 
 No more a prey to inward strift : 
 n2
 
 138 - GANDALIxV. 
 
 His heart, his soul, with rapture tost. 
 All ! all, in Sonnemon are lo,st. — 
 Mem'ry o'er former pleasures flies. 
 Visions of bliss to come arise — 
 O 'ercome with joy he cries aloud, 
 " Oh ! she is near ! — yon tun'cts proud 
 That glimmer in the morning mist. 
 Are her's ; — this balmy air has kissed 
 Her rosy cheek, and round her played ; 
 Her breath is on its wings conveyed ! 
 So near ! — up Gandalin ! away, — 
 Why linger ? — Look where onward stray 
 Those waters which from hence will glide 
 Well pleased, till sparkling by her side 
 Midst flowering shrubs they greet her view ; 
 Where gathering roses moist with dew. 
 Alone she breathes the morning air. 
 Fresher than all that's freshest there ! " 
 
 At once upon his neighing steed 
 
 He sprung, and urged his utmost speed :
 
 GANDALIN. 139 
 
 Shot down the hill with rapid flight. 
 No bird on feathered wing more light. 
 Long ere the glorious god of day 
 Had passed the sixth part of his way. 
 He stood beneath her castle wall ; 
 The warder answered to his call. — 
 And as the well known bridge he jDast 
 Enteiing, his heart beat high and last. 
 The moment which at last must shew 
 What fate his love is doomed to know — 
 Is present^ — years of trial done ! — 
 Through distant lands his course had run ; 
 And many a rough adventure past. 
 Faithful he was returned at last. — 
 But she who vowed her faith to guard. 
 And crown his hopes with love's reward. 
 If constant to her home returned 
 He brought a heart that changeless bnnied ; 
 Who gave her hand and pledged her troth ; 
 Had she forgot that parting oath r"
 
 140 GANDALIN. 
 
 Might she be fickle, false and vain ? 
 
 God ! might some happier man obtain 
 
 Her favor ere she was aware ? 
 
 Might not his passion, his despair, 
 
 In three long years have touched her breast ? 
 
 Besieged without a moment's rest, 
 
 Twas hard the citadel to hold ; 
 
 As scars on his own bosom told. 
 
 A thousand fancies such as these 
 Like restless gnats disturbed his ease. 
 And thronging to torment him flew. 
 Just as heaven's gates were full in view. 
 His gallant steed appeared to know 
 And feel for all his master's woe ; 
 He who so lately onward pressed. 
 With head erect, and swelling chest. 
 Now crossed the court with ears depressed. 
 
 The dwarf who from his station saw 
 Our knight near the Portcullis draw,
 
 GANDALIN. 141 
 
 A signal on his horn had blown 
 To make a stranger's entrance known. 
 Four pages, clad in red and white. 
 With plumes of feathers gaily dight. 
 To meet him from the castle came. 
 And welcomed in their lady's name. 
 With courteous bow to earth they bent. 
 Then to dismount assistance lent ; 
 And led him to a spacious hall, 
 Where antlers huge adorned the wall. 
 Four damsels next their entrance made. 
 In robes of stiffened silk arrayed. 
 With 'broidered collars rich and high ; 
 These reverence done as they drew nigh. 
 Silent their taper fingers used. 
 The bucklers of his armour loosed. 
 And o'er his manly shoulders threw 
 A mantle of bright scarlet hue. 
 Whose ample folds fell to the floor. 
 Then curtseying lowly as before. 
 Modest, and noiseless, sought the door. —
 
 142 
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 Four handsome youths were quickly seen, 
 
 Silent as those fair maids had been : — 
 
 Our hero to the bath they led. 
 
 He thought enchantments round him sjiread. 
 
 'Twas strange ! — yet if indeed he dreamed ; 
 
 To augur well the vision seemed.— 
 
 Bowing again the youths retired ; 
 
 But when short space their aid required. 
 
 Returning, damask towels brought. 
 
 And golden boxes finely wrought. 
 
 With these his well formed limbs they dried. 
 
 And costliest perfumes supplied : 
 
 With rubbings soft his person warmed, — 
 
 Each duty of the bath performed ; — 
 
 From head to foot his toilette made ; 
 
 In broidered ganiients rich an'ayed ; 
 
 A youthful god he seemed to tread. — 
 
 So father Homer would have said. — 
 
 As forth he passed with stately mien. 
 They who the attendants' ear could gain ;
 
 GANDALIN. 143 
 
 Whisperedj " Who is he ?" — in surprise. 
 And followed with admirinf^ eyes. 
 Like morning's stai- he onward drew. 
 Fresher than roses gemmed with dew. 
 Till those fuir youths his steps conveyed 
 To where the folding doors displayed 
 A vast saloon. — 
 
 Here Sonnemon, 
 Like Venus on her rosy throne. 
 On a rich sofa lay reclined : 
 And crowds who for her favor pined. 
 Stood watching what those eyes portend 
 Which life or death around her send. — 
 One glance of welcome sweet they threw ; 
 He felt its i)0wer, and instant flew 
 The lady of his heart to greet. 
 He knelt in rapture at her feet ; 
 Her vesture's hem with kisses pressed — 
 Would speak ihe joy that filled his breast.
 
 144 GANDALIN. 
 
 But words confused, in huiried flow, 
 More strongly paint his feelings' glow. — 
 
 That he should rise she gave command. 
 And nodding friendly, reached her hand ; 
 Then threat'ning that soft hand withdrew 
 From kisses which no measure knew. 
 In gentle words her pleasure told. 
 One so long absent, to behold 
 Homeward I'eturned so fresh and sound — 
 " Do you not think, sirs," — turning round 
 To two or three admirers near — 
 " Sir Gandalin is fatter grown ? — 
 To me I own things so appear." — 
 
 A little roguery was shewn 
 I'th' question, — but our happy youth 
 Heard nothing more than simple truth : 
 For every sense except his sight, 
 Was lost i'th' blaze of beauty's light.
 
 GANDALIN. 145 
 
 And that, with eager gaze devoured 
 
 Tlie charms each look and gesture shovvered.- 
 
 The fair when last at parting seen, 
 
 A fresh and budding rose had been. 
 
 Which shame-faced, scarce its petals shewed 
 
 When the sun's beams with ardor glowed. 
 
 That tender bud he now surveyed 
 
 In full luxuriance displayed. 
 
 And pleasures breathing as the flower 
 
 Sacred to Cytherea's power. — 
 
 Before him angel like she stood — 
 
 His soul at once inspired, subdued. 
 
 And 'rapt in bliss, to heaven had flown : 
 
 Longer and Dearer 's memory gone ! — 
 
 Had such a person ever been ? — 
 He knew not, — by the present scene 
 Entranced ; — all lost in Sonnemon. — 
 Had Lethe's waters o'er him run, 
 o
 
 146 GAXDALIK. 
 
 Not sooner had the stream displaced 
 All other forms, their charms effaced. — 
 Meanwhile the fair with graceful ease 
 Conversed on suhjects sure to please. 
 And now and then a glance she stole 
 Which reached the lover's inmost soul : 
 Yet self-possessed, no blushes speak. 
 Heightening the bloom upon her cheek.- 
 
 She asked how long he staid at Rome ? 
 Enquired the height of Milan's dome ? 
 Curious a thousand things to learn 
 Which neither party could conceni ; 
 Whilst not a single word was said 
 That to the wished for subject led. — 
 His tenderest looks were tried in vain ; 
 No answering glance could they obtain : 
 When bursting sighs his bosom heaved. 
 No sympathy those sighs relieved ;
 
 GANDALIN. 147 
 
 And when, the auspicious moment found. 
 He hinted how her promise bound ; 
 She, starting from the just appeal, 
 Slipp'd through his fingers like an eel, — 
 
 Whispers, and smiles suppressed, had been 
 During their converse frequent seen 
 Midst the adorers of her court — 
 Sir Gandalin perceived their sport. 
 And no bright star he could discern 
 Propitious rose on his return. 
 Perplexed, and struggling with his grief. 
 He sought the best means of relief; 
 The only one in such a case. 
 Silent slipped out, and left the i3lace : 
 Nor waited for the banquet brave 
 Which Sonnemon tliat evening gave. — 
 Hurrying he passed the stairs' descent. 
 And through the castle gateway went.
 
 148 GANDALIX. 
 
 Like one who late the plague has found. 
 And shuddering quits infected ground. — 
 By instinct guided, here and there 
 He wandered on, and knew not where. 
 Till wearied he returned at last 
 To his old dwelling in times past ; 
 Found it still empty, swept and aired. 
 As if for him it stood prepared. — 
 
 Scarce had he laid his aching head 
 Cursing all courts, uj^on his bed ; 
 Vexed at the strange reception given. 
 And almost to distraction driven ; 
 When at his door a knock was heard — 
 He heeded not — a second, third, — 
 And then a fourth, with louder sound. 
 Roused him at last — with hasty bound 
 He opened. — Of all sense bereaved. 
 He doubted what his eyes perceived —
 
 GANDALIN. 149 
 
 Opened them wider with a stare ; — 
 Longer and Dearer's maid was there ! 
 
 He started hack in wild alarm : — 
 But soon he felt embraces warm 
 Of flesh and blood, and all he feared 
 Unearthly, instant disappeared. 
 The damsel said, her soul was joyed. 
 That after many days employed 
 In searching every place they passed. 
 The vanished knight was found at last. 
 "My lady" — 
 
 -" How ! " he cried with speed, 
 " Is she too here ? " — 
 
 " She is indeed ! " — 
 " I am astonished and confused ! — 
 Some witchcraft surely you have used ? " 
 
 " A little, that I must confess — 
 Learnt when at home, as you may guess." 
 o2
 
 150 GANDALIN. 
 
 " Good God ! — my head turns round and round 
 Adventures strange each moment found — 
 Your lady here ! — If this can be^ 
 What does she now require of me ? " 
 
 " How ! do you ask what she requires ? — 
 Is this then all your heart inspires ? — 
 Your pardon, sir ! — I may be rude — 
 But sure your temper is not good — 
 Well then ! — so distant and so cold ! — 
 We'll try how long the humour 11 hold 
 Then we shall see " — 
 
 " What shall we see ? " 
 " Listen at least sir Knight to me. — 
 I should have sworn a year ago. 
 Impossible, what now I know. — 
 I say impossible — as soon 
 Should I have thought to reach the moon ! 
 For in my place, I felt quite sure 
 My lady could not love endure. —
 
 GANDALIN. 151 
 
 A goddess — spiritual, and high, 
 I judged her, nor could e'er descry 
 Ought of the erring mortal maid. 
 Save what her outward form displayed. — 
 At those who wooed her she would jest. 
 Nor feeling for their pangs exprest 
 More than a flint. — My lady now — 
 I venture to confess — but how ? — 
 You know my lady well, sir Kniglit. — 
 Have you forgot the evening bright 
 In which " — 
 
 " Pray make an end.'' 
 " You're hasty, sir ! nor will attend. — 
 My lady then, the man has seen 
 For whom her love had destined been. — 
 In short — fair Sir ! — you are the man ! — 
 She loves as much as woman can — 
 In honor — as you understand. — 
 I bring her prayers, nay her command.
 
 152 GANDALIN. 
 
 That by the usual evening light. 
 This very day you seek her sight. — 
 Pray hold yourself prepared at ten. 
 And I'll return to fetch you then." 
 
 Confused, astonished, and perplexed, 
 Uncertain what to do, and vexed. 
 Sir Gandalin the message heard 
 With head leant back. — No motion stirred 
 His fast closed eyes, and lips compressed. — 
 At length he started from his rest ; 
 Shot wild and restless glances round. 
 Gnashing his teeth he struck the ground. — 
 
 " No never ! — never, more, we meet I " — 
 
 " Speak, sir ! will you my lady greet 
 This evening ? — shall I fetch you hence ? " 
 "It cannot be " — 
 
 " On what pretence
 
 GANDAIIN. 153 
 
 Can you, sir, such an answer give ? — 
 It cannot be !" — Of all who live 
 This least from Gandalin she feared. — 
 I may not speak to one revered, 
 Words such as these — poor lady ! How 
 Could she support so hard a blow ? — 
 Sir Knight reflect ! you cannot chuse 
 Memory and feeling thus to lose ! " 
 
 " Hence Satan ! — tempt me thus no more "- 
 He furious cried — " See there the door ! " 
 
 The Abigail smiled at his fierce rage ; 
 'Twas but the lightning of the stage 
 She thought, and wondering at his heat, 
 Curtsied and made a quick retreat. 
 
 Scarce had she reached the lowest stair^ 
 "When of her absence first aware
 
 154 GANDALIN. 
 
 He wished her steps he (lould recal. — 
 Poor Gandalin ! and must thou fall. 
 Again condemned to struggles hard 
 Within thyself, from sleep debarred ? — 
 " She's gone," he sought his couch in shame. 
 An icy shivering shook his frame. — 
 
 " Can this be possible" — he cried — 
 " The oracle must then have lied 
 Which said she might not passion prove. 
 Till though unseen, she gained the love 
 Of one who found her spite his will. 
 The longer known the dearer still." — 
 
 " Unhappy ^v^•etch ! — how then deny 
 Those feelings which T vainly fly. — 
 Too oft has burning conscience brought 
 Home to this breast the proof she sought. — 
 Canst thou deny that she has gi'own 
 The dearer still, the longer known ?
 
 GANDAIIN. 155 
 
 Ah no ! — the oracle was true : — 
 Its meaning now too plain I view. — 
 And should we meet again, I'm lost. — 
 Her very name my brain has tost 
 In tumults. — I am grown a child ! — 
 And should I hear those accents mild, 
 Can I withstand her voice ? — Ah no ! 
 Nay granted that I might do so. 
 With half a heart could I return 
 To Sonnemon ? — Oh ! she must learn 
 The shameful truth — and how confess 
 A perfidy she could not guess ? — 
 How should I look on those dear eyes ? 
 No ! — never, — never ! — I will rise 
 Above temptation — never more. 
 Bright angel !— whom I still adore. 
 Idol enshrined within my breast ! 
 Shall others' channs disturb my rest. — 
 T hough thou hast left my bosom torn 
 By cold indifference, if not scorn ;
 
 156 GAXDALIX. 
 
 Sill thou art mistress of my soiil — 
 Thy yoke shall still my neck control, 
 Hard though it be, till life depart. 
 And worms feed on this constant heart I "- 
 
 Thus to himself he said, and swore 
 A thousand times to en no more. — 
 The night unmarked was partly gone ; 
 When lo ! the door had open flown — 
 And as the moon shone bright and clear, 
 Longer and Dearer entered there ! —
 
 GANDALIN. 
 
 BOOK VIII.
 
 G AND ALIN. 
 BOOK VIII. 
 
 Imagine that at still midnight. 
 Alone, and by the moon's pale light. 
 Cradled by fancies wild and deep 
 You lay just sinking into sleep. — 
 If at that moment to your couch 
 A pale white figiure should approach. 
 Haggard, and tall, with cerements bound 
 Such as about the dead are wound ; 
 Place itself opposite, and stare 
 With eyes where flames unearthly glare, 
 Whilst horrid grins its teeth display : — 
 Would not your courage feel dismay ?
 
 160^ GANDALIN. 
 
 I guess your heart might be oppressed. — 
 But that within our hero's breast 
 Beat higher still, when by that light 
 Longer and Dearer met his sight. — 
 
 Yet fair and graceful was her mien. 
 No ghostly teiTors round her seen. — 
 Like glorious angel from on high 
 With gentlest movement she drew nigh : 
 Pure, calm, and bright, she was — 
 
 Halt there ? 
 For once descriptions we will spare : — 
 When ceaseless from the pen they flow. 
 
 Poet and listener weary grow. 
 
 I'm silent, — and each reader may 
 
 His skill in portraiture display ; 
 
 In his own style the likeness seize 
 
 And frame the picture as he please. — 
 
 Yet recollect, — a long white dress 
 
 Of satin pure, let no excess
 
 GANDALIN. 161 
 
 ^ >r ornament her person deck ; 
 Mere pearls around her arms and neck. 
 Nor must you the deep veil omit ; 
 Slie may not cast it from her yet. 
 But only hide her lovely face. 
 And with such art the drapery place. 
 That as by chance the eye may dwell 
 Upon her bosom's gentle swell. 
 
 Our hero's state of mind be sure 
 Was neither easy nor secure ; 
 By tmnults strange deprived of sense. 
 How could he speak, or where commence ? — 
 He would have shunned that vision blest ; 
 Torn her by force from out his breast. 
 Though doing this he breathed his last ! — 
 So had he sworn three minutes past. — 
 Unlooked for to behold her here, — 
 What worse misfortune could he bear ? 
 p2
 
 162 GANDALIN. 
 
 To fly, was the first thought that came. 
 As Joseph did from sin and shame. — 
 But when she spoke, that gentle tone 
 Which might have called an angel down 
 His progress stopped ; entranced he stood 
 Trembling and motionless, nor could 
 Draw breath, — when first a gentle sigh 
 Struck on his ear, and 
 
 " Wouldst thou fly ? 
 
 These simple words were all he heard. 
 
 Grief further utterance deterred ; 
 
 Her voice in sorrow seemed to melt. — 
 
 Dasfsers within his heart he felt ; 
 His trembling knees beneath him bent, 
 Sinking, upon a chair he leant. 
 Thus for some minutes he remained 
 Nor vet his vanquished powers regained.
 
 GANDAIIX. 163 
 
 From time to time he raised his eyes. 
 And tried to speak, but heavy sighs 
 Suppressed his words. — Meanwhile the fair 
 Bowed down her head in still despair : 
 Her white hand pressed upon her brows. 
 Unable from sad thought to rouse. 
 Silent she stood by soitow paled. — 
 
 Now Gandalin's last refuge failed. — 
 
 He hoped to meet her bitterest scorn ; 
 
 But no ! as through the air were home 
 
 At intervals her heavy sighs. 
 
 He felt within new torments rise 
 
 Like thousand needles in his heart 
 
 At once to bid all hope depart. 
 
 Unconscious, and by love impelled. 
 
 One hand she moved, and tow'rds him held I — 
 
 This was too much — with sudden force 
 Passion rushed on in headlong course. —
 
 164 GANDALIN. 
 
 Low at her feet behold hmi thrown. 
 His face concealed within her gown. 
 Hiding the tears that fall like dew. — 
 A wonn he would have met her view. 
 That crushed in dust beneath her feet 
 His crime just punishment might meet. 
 The lady when she saw him kneel, 
 A thrill of rapture seemed to feel. — 
 
 " And do I really this behold ? — 
 Can love have touched a breast so cold ? 
 Are those his lips which fondly press 
 My hand, and seal his vow to bless 
 With love and truth my future life ? 
 May I become his friend — his wife ? 
 His heart my kingdom and my throne :- 
 The only heaven I yet have known. 
 Be mine the right to make him blest. 
 No Sonnemon shall break our rest." —
 
 GANDALIN. 165 
 
 That word, like the forked lightning's flash 
 
 Convulsed his soul with sudden crash. 
 
 As if from forth her lips had sprung 
 
 A scorpion and his bosom stung. 
 
 The deep remorse that instant swelled 
 
 Demands the pencil Reubens held ; 
 
 Words for such feelings are too faint. 
 
 E'en though the muse should help me paint. 
 
 " Ha !" — cried he, " wherefore speak that name ? 
 
 " Unhappy !" — and with eyes on flame. 
 Grimly he flung her hand away 
 Still moist with tears that o'er it stray. — 
 " What name was that you dared recal ? — 
 Oh ! that I now might breathless fall — 
 Or that dread hour my last had been 
 When first your fatal charms were seen !" — 
 
 " Enchantress! cease to use your power. — 
 Why all your arts around me shower ?
 
 166 GANDALIN. 
 
 These have no strength my ivill to move ; 
 Then why constrain me still to love ? — 
 Yes ! triumph — thou art victor now ; — 
 Subdued before thy channs I bow. 
 Yet be not of the conquest vain. 
 Small is the glory thou shalt gain. 
 To Sonnemon shall all be known. 
 And in thy presence, I will own 
 That faithless to my plighted troth 
 Then shall you see just vengeance rise — 
 This heart pierced through before your eyes. 
 Which true to no resolve it made 
 Was false to her, and you betrayed." 
 
 The lady, who perhaps you think 
 Disgraced, despised, to earth must sink ; 
 Looked on, and rapturous inhaled 
 The storm which thus her ears assailed : 
 And when she deemed its fury spent 
 With gentliest mien towards him bent —
 
 GANDAIIN. 167 
 
 '' Down at my feet, repentant fall. 
 
 And what thou hast blasphemed recal, — 
 
 I wished and from my heart to prove 
 
 If I indeed might win thy love; 
 
 And now at last before my eyes 
 
 Thy soul unveiled and open lies. — 
 
 Content no higher joys remain — 
 
 I love, and am beloved again ! ■ 
 
 Unhappy man ! then why distress 
 
 Thyself and her whom thou shouldst bless ? 
 
 Why struggle from me to depart 
 
 Give love for love — Oh ! yield thy heart — 
 
 By bliss unbounded well repaid." — 
 
 " Oh ! thou," — with trembling lips, he said. 
 Wringing his hands in deepest woe, 
 " Thou ! who hast struck the fatal blow 
 Which brings me to the earth, all rest 
 For ever gone from this sad breast. 
 Whilst grief, and shame, remorse, and care. 
 Will henceforth make their dwelling there I—
 
 168 GANDALIN. 
 
 Leave me ! Oh leave me ! but to die — 
 
 Can I thy magic circle fly ? — 
 
 Who art thou ? Being all unknown — 
 
 In mercy far from hence begone. 
 
 For you I broke the sacred oath. — 
 
 I cannot bear thy presence here, — 
 
 T may not heal when thou art near : 
 
 My love for thee is hate, not love. 
 
 Like hellish fire the flame 1 prove. 
 
 Leave me ! then leave me but to die. — 
 
 Or tear that veil, and bid descry 
 
 Charms which like lightning may consume 
 
 At once " — 
 
 She feared he might presume 
 To snatch the veil, and stepping light 
 Drew back some paces in affiight.^ — 
 Meanwhile you plainly might have seen 
 A conflict in her heart had been ; 
 With effort great collecting strength — 
 
 " Sir Gandalin," — she said at length.
 
 GANDALIN. 169 
 
 •' I am not made of heart so cold 
 Unmoved your son'ows to behold. 
 But speak yourself — can you declare 
 How Sonnemon and I may share 
 Your heart ? - shall we not each refuse 
 To take the half? — and you must chuse 
 At last between us — this must be ; 
 You waver now, I plainly see — 
 But dearest, take this night for thought : 
 Thy senses first to reason brought, 
 Then let the heart decide that ought." 
 
 Thus speaking ere he knew her gone. 
 She sudden from his sight had flown. 
 In haste he sought her steps to trace. 
 Above, below, in every place — 
 Till wearied out he left the chace. 
 
 Think now how lonely and forlorn 
 He rested on his couch till morn, —
 
 170 GANDALIX, 
 
 It was the longest bitterest night 
 That ever passed unhappy wight 
 Sentenced to die at break of day. — 
 If any man should bear away 
 My wife and children, cattle, sheep. 
 And leave me reft of all to weep, 
 Bm'ning my house above my head ; 
 I'd wish him, by just vengeance led. 
 Not like king Herod eat by lice ; 
 Nor in a tower, devoured by mice 
 Like bishop Hatto, — nor to brave 
 Six days and nights the restless wave. 
 In mastless ship, whilst storms affright. 
 And thousand deaths appear in sight. — 
 No ! — I would wish him such a night ! 
 
 But now the golden sun appeared 
 And with his rays the morning cleared. 
 Up from his couch sprung GandaUn, 
 Like love-sick maiden, pale and gieen.
 
 GANDALIN. 171 
 
 And weary, as his night had passed 
 Exposed to rain, and wintry blast. 
 Marching six heavy German miles 
 Through bog and wood and deep defiles. — 
 
 His window he wide open threw 
 
 To scent the air that freshly blew — 
 
 That sunny spirit of the morn 
 
 Which soothes the bosom's rankling thorn 
 
 With surer art than opiate can, 
 
 Or all the drugs prescribed by man. 
 
 It seemed as if the god of spring 
 
 Had breathed upon the morning's wing ; 
 
 And half the sorrows of the night 
 
 Sank in the ocean of pure light, — 
 
 He, as he stood in loose wrapt gown 
 
 With open breast and hair all blown, 
 
 Instinctive snatched his hat laid near. 
 
 And sadly sought the open air. 
 
 With hasty steps he onward strode 
 
 Dorni the lime walk, then passed the wood,
 
 172 GANDAIIN. 
 
 Crossed o'er the fields, and leapt the stile ; 
 Then mounting the green slope awhile. 
 Turned to the left through fallow grounds. 
 Onward he went with rapid bounds ; 
 Whilst laboring hinds near whom he passed 
 Stood staring at such senseless haste. 
 And thought, like Cain he surely flew 
 From conscience which would still pursue. 
 
 He wandered on as in a dream. 
 Then waked in Sonnemon's demesneo 
 Beneath a tree his limbs he threw. 
 Whilst cooling airs around him blew : 
 Then breathless, stretched forth foot and hand. 
 As a fish pants upon the sand — 
 And some relief his anguish found, 
 Resting on Sonnemon's own ground. 
 
 As misty forms first meet the eyes. 
 And pale and undefined arise
 
 GANDALIN. 173 
 
 When moniiiig's light unfolding slow 
 First streaks the heavens with redder glow; 
 Thus by degrees his fancy strays 
 Midst scenes of former happy days ; 
 Again he thinks of that sweet hour 
 When first he yielded to love's power : 
 How many evenings he had stood 
 Telling her praises to that wood ; 
 Or close concealed, for half the day 
 Watched when her steps might pass that way. 
 Nor higher ecstasy could feel 
 Than unobserved a glance to steal. — 
 Wearied and soothed by thoughts like those. 
 At length he sank in sweet repose. — 
 
 The wood gods while he took his nap 
 Pillowed his head upon their lap. 
 Calmly two hours at least had flown, 
 When on his cheek fresh rose leaves thrown 
 q2
 
 174 GANDALIN. 
 
 In handfiils, his soft slumbers broke ; — 
 And starting with suprise, he woke, — 
 For Sounemon herself stood there 
 In morning dress, with long dark hair. 
 Part by a circling band confined. 
 The rest waved gently in the wind. 
 And o'er her neck and shoulder strayed. 
 Upon her cheek soft blushes played. 
 Her eyes love's mild expression filled. — 
 
 What sweet alarm his bosom thrilled — 
 All that he felt, when that fair hand 
 Was graceful held to help him rise j 
 The rapture he could not command 
 Mingled with anguish and surprise. 
 Oh mother Nature ! to explain 
 Such deep emotions, words are vain ! 
 For scene like this all hues are cold. — 
 It may be felt, but never told. —
 
 GANDALIN. 175 
 
 With gentle grace till now unknown. 
 
 That wanned each movement, word, and tone. 
 
 Fair Sonnemon her lover led 
 
 To a cool shade, where overhead 
 
 The vine and ivy wildly strayed. 
 
 And twining a green arbour made 
 
 Impervious to the hottest ray. — 
 
 As here they slowly took their way. 
 
 She mildly begged he would excuse 
 
 Last night's reception, nor refuse 
 
 T'impute it to the proper cause ; 
 
 Strict etiquette's unpleasant laws. 
 
 Which bade indifference assume 
 
 Whilst crowds of idlers filled her room. — 
 
 How willingly would she have prest 
 
 i 
 Her faithful lover to her breast ! 
 
 Scarcely indeed she could withhold 
 
 Her steps ; — yet that had been too bold. — 
 
 " But here no listener can disturb ; — 
 
 We need not here our feelings curb. —
 
 176 GANDALIN. 
 
 Now we may freely hear and tell 
 Thoughts, that within the bosom swell 
 For utterance after absence long. — 
 No word of soiTow past — 'twere wrong 
 To spoil an hour so sweet as this ; — 
 No question shall disturb our bliss ; — 
 No doubts — for dearest, in thine eyes 
 Thy spotless faith apparent lies. 
 Written in characters of light. — 
 True from the hour thou left'st my sight ! 
 
 This was too much — each word, each look, 
 His soul with strong convulsions shook : — 
 Conscious of guilt, this was too much. — 
 He gasped for air, all seemed to touch 
 And press upon his heart ; — mists rise 
 And swim confused before his eyes ; 
 Loud pulses knock within his breast ; 
 And death perhaps had brought him rest. — 
 But Love's kind genius saw his grief. 
 And sent the tears that gave relief. —
 
 GANDALIN. 177 
 
 " What ails thee, Gandalin ? " — she cried, 
 " Thou weepest, love I — in me confide. — 
 Why dost thou groan and tremble so ? 
 Oh speak ! whence came this sudden blow ? 
 
 " No more — ^Oh Sonnemon ! — no more ! 
 Thy kindness may not hope restore. — 
 Angel of light ! — I cannot bear 
 That look, that tone, — to fell despair 
 They urge mc. — Do I live to tell ? — 
 Must I confess the crimes that dwell 
 In this sad bosom ? must I prove 
 Myself unworthy of thy love ? — 
 Oh Sonnemon ! — too good, — too kind, — 
 Thou err'st, to all my wanderings blind '. 
 And yet — Oh god of love ' I swear. 
 Till far advanced in the last year ; 
 Each inmost feeling of my breast 
 Thv sacred influence confest. —
 
 178 GANDALIN. 
 
 Thou wert my only dream by night : — 
 
 My waking thought with morning's light ! — 
 
 The charms by fairest beings shewn 
 
 Touched not the heart which was thy throne I 
 
 Thus faithful still I persevered 
 
 Nor two months since thy presence feared. — 
 
 Vain boast! — at last my virtue failed. — 
 
 One moment o'er thy love prevailed ! 
 
 And how ? — Oh if the tale were told 
 
 By any other, thou wouldst hold 
 
 For fiction what is true as fate !" — 
 
 And now began he to relate 
 
 How first beneath the veil's disguise, 
 
 Longer and Dearer met his eyes ; 
 
 And placed the whole before her sight. 
 
 Till the adventure of last night. 
 Calmly she listened to his tale, — 
 
 Then, 
 
 "If ni}' judgment may avail
 
 GANDALIN. 179 
 
 To soothe you, hearken. — In your mind 
 No past inconstancy I find 
 Nor present — for in heart and will 
 You ever loved, and love me still. — 
 All that with that strange damsel past. 
 Was witchery, not doomed to last." — 
 
 " Oh could I thus myself persuade ! " 
 Exclaimed the knight — " So I have said 
 Indeed at times, and that belief 
 Has for the moment brought relief. — 
 Sometimes when o'er the light guitar 
 Her fingers strayed, thy voice from far 
 Seemed in sweet tones to reach mine ear.- 
 And all I felt when she was near. 
 So like what now I feel for thee-— 
 I wondered oft how this might be. — 
 Then from her magic influence gone. 
 My heart would beat for thee alone. —
 
 180 GAXDALIK. 
 
 But to that circle once returned. 
 Again for her on fire it bunied." — 
 
 ""Twas strange," fair Sonnemon replied, — 
 And blushing turned her head aside. 
 " But tell me — if I were inclined 
 The past mere witchery to find. 
 And overlook small faults like this. 
 Sealing thy pardon with a kiss — 
 What wouldst thou say P" — 
 
 " Oh wretched man ! 
 Life seems a burden, and I can 
 Make no reply — thou angel pure ! 
 How paint the tortures I endure. — 
 Her form still near me seems to stray ! — 
 Last night, — Ah ! — <at her feet I lay 
 As now at thine — and love confessed : — 
 And wished to pierce this guilty breast, — 
 That could 'gainst faith and truth rebel. — 
 I felt her power, — and — loved too well. —
 
 GANDALIN". 181 
 
 Yes ! — Still 1 love her, — tliou'rt betrayed ; 
 111 has my heart thy truth repaid ! — 
 Me it has ruined. — ^nought remains 
 But death to close a life of pains !" 
 
 The pitying" damsel felt inclined 
 Her arms about his neck to wind; 
 Love powerful urged within her breast, 
 And yet with elFort she repressed 
 The wish her feelings to disclose. 
 
 " Hear me " — she said, " I must suppose 
 The fair unknown again will seek 
 Your presence " — 
 
 " Oh no ! — let me speak. — 
 We meet no more with my consent." 
 
 " You must, you shall — for I am bent 
 Her magic influence to defeat. — 
 Yes, Gandalin i again you meet, 
 
 R
 
 182 GANDALIN- 
 
 And in uiy presence also. — There — 
 Your heart its preference will declaie. 
 If undecided it remain — 
 Why then — I can no more explain." — 
 
 She said, and turning from the knight 
 A smile played o'er her features bright ; 
 And ere he from his knees could rise 
 The trees concealed her from his eyes. — 
 That smile, and Jier whole look and uiien. 
 Might well have made her secret seen ; 
 But nothing of her meaning found. 
 His eyes and senses fast were bound. 
 
 Home he returned but could not rest. 
 Through every room in haste he jjressed 
 Yet knew not what in each he sought ; 
 Sat down, — stood up again, then brought 
 His half made toilette to an end ; 
 Went down to dinner, but could bond
 
 GANDALIN. 183 
 
 No thought to what was said or done : 
 His senses to the moon liad run. 
 Never since first he breatlied the air 
 Was day so long and full of care. 
 Now he looked forward full of hope. 
 Now could not with his tenors cope ; 
 That night his final doom displayed. — 
 Now wondered why the damsel staid, — 
 " Where is she " — every minute said ; 
 Then shuddering, looked towards the door 
 Oft as a footstep crossed the floor. 
 And when at last he saw her stand 
 With a dark Ian thorn in her hand. 
 He felt his knees begin to fail ; 
 \nd trembling, turned as deadly jiale 
 As Faustus on that fearful night 
 When the fiend stood before his sight. 
 And midst wild flames and thimder's roar 
 Proclaimed his sinful course was o'er. 
 And hell's fierce tonnonts laid in ston-.
 
 184 GANDALIN. 
 
 " What ails you <^" What delay you make 
 " Sir Knight ! — methinks I see you shake ! 
 Ha ! — I perceive you something know ! — 
 They seem to hope our overthrow. — 
 But — let fair Sonneraon appear — 
 My lady still has nought to fear, 
 The victor's car she may adorn ! — 
 Courage ! Sir Knight — look not forlorn — 
 Believe me, I the truth descry 
 Longer and Bearer's veil thrown by 
 All further strife at once must end. — 
 Or else — no more to me attend." — 
 
 The knight stood still, but did not hear 
 
 Her words which vacant struck his ear. 
 
 Like one who losing much, at last 
 
 His all upon the die has cast, 
 
 Doubting, and buried deep in thought 
 
 He stood. — Then with new courage fraught.
 
 GANDALIN. 185 
 
 ''Yes I — I will venture it." — lie cried, 
 
 " One moment shall at once decide. 
 
 And for my past offence atone. — 
 
 Yes Sonnemon ! and thou alone 
 
 Shalt reign. — Thy rival stand unveiled 
 
 Before thee — owning she has failed. — 
 
 All hope for ever from her torn, 
 
 Just when she laughed thy charms to scorn." — 
 
 A ray of pleasure kindling bright 
 Glowed on his cheek with transient light, 
 Whilst thus he struggled to obtain 
 Strength which the victory might gaiu. 
 He followed now with firmer tread 
 Where our pleased Iris onward led ; 
 Through naiTOw lanes her steps pursued. 
 Where nought appeared to augur good ; 
 Dimly the damsel's lanthorn shone. 
 And darkness more than light made known.
 
 186 
 
 gandalin. 
 
 In silence thus they passed the grovnid. 
 Till a low postern door was found. — 
 The maiden knocked — it opened wide, 
 And closed when they had passed inside. — 
 Next a steep winding stair they mount ; 
 Our hero could his pulses count. 
 As strange forehodings filled his breast. 
 He panted, felt his lungs oppressed — 
 Three times he paused, upon his way. 
 Through chambers he could scarce survev 
 By the dim lamp's uncertain ray. 
 
 " Welcome, Sir Knight ! our journey's o'er" 
 Said [lis as she reached a door 
 Which open flew, — then closed again. — 
 Words cannot his surjirise explain. 
 When by a hundred lights was shewn 
 That chamber lirst near Paris known, 
 Longer and Dearer 's loved abode ! 
 The roof where "olden baskets lilowed
 
 GANDALIN. 187 
 
 Willi fruit and flowers in order placed ; 
 The wall by bible stories gTaced ; 
 And near the stand of scented wood 
 The tent and damask couch still stood. 
 Where veiled and in the same array 
 Longer and Dearer quiet lay ! — 
 Think then, oh think ! if drawing nigh 
 His heart within his breast beat high : — 
 Such magic wonders round him showered t 
 In truth his soul was oveqiowered, 
 And scarce remaining strength he fomid 
 To catch a chair ere on the ground. 
 
 The lady gave some minutes' rest 
 To calm the tumult in his breast. 
 Tiien in love's softest tenderest tone 
 She thanked him for the kindness shewn : 
 At least it proved he felt esteem. 
 And would not liglitly of her deem 
 Whose heart too early was bestowed. 
 Nor knew he for another cjlowcd.
 
 188 GANDALIN, 
 
 " I will not in reproaches speak, 
 
 Nor yet by prayers your pity seek. 
 
 Perhaps you sooner should have told 
 
 The faith which you were bound to hold : 
 
 That tie, in gentle words confessed. 
 
 My new born passion had suppressed. — 
 
 From deep and heart felt sorrow spared 
 
 Who knows but both had better fared ; — 
 
 At least, perhaps, — I still had been 
 
 Tn safety. — Yet — Oh Gandalin ! 
 
 Tis destiny to which we yield. — 
 
 No art from her decrees may shield. 
 
 And I submit " — with flattering voice 
 
 The words were spoke. — " There is no choice- 
 
 Nor do I now myself deceive. 
 
 Death only remedy can give ! — 
 
 No glimmering of hope is left. — 
 
 You seem distrest, — and yet bereft 
 
 Of all things — 'tis against my will 
 
 With sorrow thus vour heart to fill. —
 
 GANDALIN. 189 
 
 Thus much at iiartiiii;; Jet me say ; 
 Not fate itself can tear away 
 The soothing bahn, the comfort sweet. 
 Of love eternal — though it meet 
 With no return. — The illusion's sweet 
 (And let not Sonnemon repine 
 That fancied joy should still be mine.) 
 Perhaps, if we had both been free. 
 Thy heart with love had beat for me !"- 
 
 V 
 
 Here deep emotion swelled her breast 
 And utterance at once supprest. — 
 
 " My heart perhaps for thee had heat " — 
 Cried Gandalin with sudden heat. 
 As from its seat he felt it start, 
 O'ercome with love and bitter smart. — 
 " Oh ! could I but this bosom bare 
 And shew the heart that's bursting there !-
 
 190 GAXDALIX. 
 
 Beloved ! — thou too plain would'st see 
 
 How it beats now with love fur thee I — 
 
 Why dost thou doubt me ? — Well tlien hear 
 
 What lowly at thy feet I swear ; _ 
 
 Although I cannot comprehend 
 
 By what strange sympathy'you bend 
 
 My stubborn will — what magic use — 
 
 Yet hear me — you may not refuse. — 
 
 By this soft hand which now I hold. 
 
 By the hot tears which you behold 
 
 Fall on it. — Listen now to me. — 
 
 I love both Sonnemon and thee ! 
 
 Each reigns within my inmost soul, 
 
 As though alone she held control : 
 
 Between your love and hers to chuse 
 
 My heart for ever must refuse. 
 
 Oh leave me then ! — unworthy you, — 
 
 Unworthy of a love so true ; — 
 
 Incapable to make you blest 
 
 With heart divided, ill at rest. —
 
 GANDALIN, 191 
 
 To nij own sorrow and to yours 
 Condemned to love while life endures. — 
 Oh ! let me, — let me, — seek by flight 
 To perish absent from your sight. — 
 Let me no more your ])eace disturb 
 P>y passion which I cannot curb." — 
 
 In agony before her thrown 
 
 The tears like burning drops rolled down 
 
 Upon her hand. — She felt his grief^ 
 
 Nor longer would delay relief — 
 
 " Oh wondrous man ! and wouldsl thou swear 
 
 All this if Sonnemon were here ? 
 
 " Oh God ! " — he cried — " that she were by" — 
 
 " Behold her then !,.. behold her nigh !" — 
 
 Down dropped the mantle and tlic \'eil 
 And Sonnemon, — but words will ftiil. —
 
 190 
 
 GANDALIX. 
 
 Oh love for iove I— lio»v pure uuu 
 The iecoinj)ensc his trials meet — 
 For Soniiemon, by love op])rest 
 Sank silent on his faithful breast !- 
 
 W. DKARDEN, I'RINTEK, NOTTINGHAM.
 
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